Wl LL!  AM    H  £  N  RY   WINS  LOW 


The  Sea  Letter 


LAURA. 


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|  1  he      *      * 

9  * 

I  Sea    Letter   | 

9  A   Mystery  of  Martha's  Vineyard 

I  ! 


WILLIAM    HENRY    WINSLOW      J 
Author  of  | 

Cruising  and  Blockading,  Etc. 


Illustrated 


"  Libera  Terra  Dberque  Animus  " 


s  $ 

j<«  Publishers  jc 

I  i 

$      HENRY   A.  DICKERMAN  6  SON 
I  BOSTON 


Copyright   1901, 
by  William   Henry  Winslow 


fMimpton  iprcsa 

H.    U.    PLIMPTON    A    CO.,     PRINTERS    &    BINDERS, 
NORWOOD,    MASS.,     U.S.A. 


e 


5125816 


GEORGE    W.    ELDRIDGE, 

One  of.  the  Cape  Cod  Folks,  who  came,      $ 
£      like  Maushope's  great  eagle,  to  Martha's      £ 
Vineyard,  studied  its  tides,  charted  its 
shallows,    gathered     its    literature,    and 
encouraged  and  aided  in  this  product 
ot  winter  evenings,  I  gratefully  dedicate 
£      my  book.  £ 

f  THE  AUTHOR.      ^ 

J      Vineyard  Haven,  Mass.,  J 

June  i5th,  1901. 

!  I 

£       "  A  perfect  judge  will  read  each  work  of  wit       6 
5       With  the  same  spirit  that  its  author  writ."       5 

$  I 

-- 


The  Sea  Letter 


CHAPTER  I. 

An  olive-green  island  lay  panting  beneath  a 
fervid  summer  sun  amid  swirling  currents  and  vio- 
lent tides  of  dark  blue  sea.  Great  parti-colored 
clay  bluffs  and  a  light-house  faced  the  west,  and  a 
low  sandy  point  and  a  light-house  marked  the 
eastern  extremity.  A  line  of  shining  surf  along 
the  South  shore,  broken  only  where  a  brown 
boulder  reared  its  washed  face  above,  or  a  vagrant 
stream  flowed  out  to  sea,  showed  over  the  sand 
dunes  and  green  meadows  like  a  fringe  of  silver. 
Great  hills  along  the  North  shore,  covered  by  grass 
and  boulders,  or  by  forests  of  pine,  oak  and  locust, 
protected  the  adjacent  valleys  and  the  interior 
plain  from  wintry  gales.  Wild  grape-vines,  haw- 
thorn, and  berry-bushes  grew  in  ravines  and  upon 
hillsides.  Pastures  and  cultivated  fields  lay  be- 
tween woodlands  ;  and  riotous  gardens  hugged  the 
farm-houses  that  were  scattered  rather  sparingly 
over  the  country. 

A  gentle  southerly  breeze,  that  had  borrowed 
moisture  from  the  Gulf  Stream  not  far  away, 


2  THE    SEA    LETTER 

patted  the  cheek  as  if  with  feathers,  and  barely 
lifted  the  leaves  of  elm  and  poplar  trees  around  the 
oldest  house  upon  the  island,  which  stood  facing  a 
little  harbor  between  the  hills.  No  one  could 
doubt  its  age,  who  noticed  the  one  story  walls  ;  the 
great  unbroken  roof ;  the  massive,  eight-foot  square 
chimney ;  the  high-silled  windows  of  twenty-four 
lights,  and  the  old  portico  at  the  front  door,  covered 
only  by  canvas  that  was  spread  out  or  gathered 
back  against  the  eaves,  as  occasion  demanded. 

The  skeptic  could  examine  the  yellow  clay 
and  straw  mortar  of  the  brick  work  ;  the  hard-burnt 
English  bricks,  stamped  1642  ;  the  long  ovens 
beside  the  fire-places;  the  queer  wrought-iron 
hinges  and  latches,  and  the  peculiarly  paneled 
doors. 

Documentary  proof  was  available  in  the  Reg- 
ister's office  at  the  County  town,  where  the  records 
ran  back  over  two  hundred  and  fifty  years,  when 
entries  were  found  defective  and  a  legal  chain  was 
no  longer  possible. 

The  Olivers  had  lived  in  the  house  through 
three  generations.  The  last  survivor  declared  the 
timbers  of  the  frame  had  been  cut  and  hewed  upon 
the  spot,  and  pointed  to  marks  of  the  axe  and 
some  bark  upon  the  beams,  projecting  in  the  ceil- 
ing and  the  corners  of  the  lower  rooms.  Indeed, 
the  window  and  door  sills  were  worn  hollow,  and 
one's  feet  rose  and  fell  in  walking  the  floors  as 
upon  a  ship's  deck  at  sea. 


THE    SEA    LETTER  3 

Captain  George  Oliver,  a  retired  officer  of 
the  whaling  fleet,  and  of  the  Volunteer  U.  S. 
Navy,  hale  and  hearty  at  sixty  years  of  age,  lived 
in  the  old  mansion  with  his  wife  Alice  and 
daughter  Lucy. 

A  married  daughter  in  Boston,  and  a  son 
who  was  mate  on  the  Savannah  Line,  made 
occasional  visits  there  during  the  year. 

The  old  Captain  was  seated  upon  the  front 
porch  among  the  honeysuckles  and  clematis  that 
covered  its  latticed  sides,  smoking  his  pipe,  and 
looking  with  a  long  spy-glass  at  a  white  steamboat, 
which  was  moving  rapidly  among  the  anchored 
craft  towards  the  wharf,  where  all  passengers  and 
baggage  were  landed  and  distributed  around  the 
island  by  carriage  and  car. 

It  was  evident  this  particular  morning  that  he 
expected  something  of  importance,  as  he  watched 
the  decks  and  wharf  more  intently  than  he  usually 
did  when  he  had  nothing  to  do  but  to  smoke  and 
doze  and  spy  out  passing  vessels. 

The  captain  was  not  indolent.  Though  he 
had  given  up  going  to  sea,  he  clung  to  the  shore, 
sailed  his  cat-boat  to  the  fishing  grounds ;  went 
clamming,  lobstering  and  hunting  ;  cut  the  lawn 
grass ;  cultivated  the  garden,  and  swapped  yarns 
with  nautical  hulks  like  himself,  out  of  commission. 
He  received  a  retired  lieutenant's  pay  monthly 
from  Washington ;  had  a  few  bonds  in  a  safe-de- 
posit box  on  the  main  land,  and  found  an  occasional 


4  THE    SEA    LETTER 

check  in  his  son's  letters.  The  world  revolved 
easily  now,  and  the  captain  had  begun  to  play 
before  life  had  lost  its  attractions  and  he  had  be- 
come decrepit. 

"  What  are  you  looking  at,  papa  ?  Is  there 
an  excursion  upon  the  boat  this  morning,  that  you 
gaze  at  her  so  long  ?  "  asked  Lucy,  as  she  stepped 
out  upon  the  platform  and  smiled  at  her  parent's 
grotesque  appearance,  with  one  eye  screwed  shut 
and  the  other  glued  to  the  spy-glass. 

"  Where  are  your  ears  and  your  wits,  lassie  ? " 
said  the  captain.  "  Didn't  you  hear  me  tell  your 
mother  about  Mr.  Delano  and  his  tally-ho  coming 
from  New  York  this  week?  I've  been  watching 
every  boat,  and  naught  have  I  seen  but  buggies 
and  traps  and  bakers'  wagons.  The  deck-hands 
have  tumbled  out  the  luggage  and  are  now  lead- 
ing out  some  horses.  There's  a  great  yellow  thing 
behind  the  bulwarks.  Do  you  know  the  color  of  a 
tally-ho,  a  kind  of  old  fashioned  coach  with  a  new 
f  angled  name  ?  " 

"  No ;  how  could  I  know  ?  We  never  went  to 
the  Horse  Show.  I  suppose  they  are  like  other 
coaches.  If  you'd  take  us  to  New  York,  we  might 
learn  something  about  turnouts  and  style.  " 

"  Yes,  hats  and  wraps  and  opera  cloaks  and  — 
it  is  a  coach — and  they  are  now  hitching  up  the 
horses !  Run  and  tell  your  mother  to  air  the 
front  room  ;  Mr.  Delano  has  arrived.  No  such  rig 
as  that  ever  landed  on  this  island  before,  and  it 


THE    SEA    LETTER  5 

must  be  his ! "  and  the  captain  lowered  the  glass 
and  wiped  his  eyes. 

"  Let  me  look  first,  papa,"  said  Lucy,  shaking 
her  head  backwards  to  clear  away  the  stray  locks 
of  yellow  brown  hair  that  had  been  blown  over  her 
perfect  features.  "  Oh !  I  see  the  four  horses, 
and  men  climbing  upon  the  coach.  They  have 
started,  and  so  has  the  steamboat  —  hear  her 
whistle." 

Lucy  laid  the  glass  upon  the  seat  and  rushed 
away  to  tell  her  mother,  and  the  captain  went  and 
polished  his  shoes,  and  put  on  his  Sunday  suit 
which  was  rather  warm  for  the  season. 

The  captain's  house  was  in  the  suburbs  of  the 
little  village  of  E — , which  covered  the  hills  along 
the  shore  of  the  harbor  as  far  as  the  light-house 
and  bluffs.  This  shore  had  long  borne  the  name  of 
Barbary  Coast  because  of  its  bleak  winds  and 
heavy  seas  in  Winter.  Cosy  cottages,  picturesque 
villas,  and  spacious  hotels  with  lawns,  gardens,  play- 
grounds, parks  and  a  band-stand,  gave  quite  a 
metropolitan  appearance  to  the  resort,  and  it  had 
its  full  share  of  summer  sojourners. 

Across  the  harbor  opposite,  one  could  see  the 
houses  of  the  Haven  nestling  in  the  trees ;  Man- 
ter's  Hill,  where  three  patriotic  girls  blew  up  a  flag- 
pole in  '76  to  prevent  its  seizure  by  the  English 
for  a  topmast ;  Neptune  Heights,  with  its  vestige 
of  an  Indian  stockade,  and,  great  bluff  sseaward, 


6  THE    SEA    LETTER 

surmounted  by  brown  villas  and  a  light-house  with 
a  background  of  dark  forest. 

The  salt  meadows  up  the  harbor  were  deli- 
cate shades  of  green  which  soothed  tired  eyes,  but 
the  glory  of  the  island  was  the  sea.  One  caught 
glimpses  of  its  sparkle  and  its  white-caps  all 
around,  and  the  pleasure  craft  in  the  harbor  and 
the  stately  vessels  sailing  by,  presented  a  delight- 
ful panorama. 

The  principal  hotel  of  E —  was  two  squares 
away  from  the  ancient  home  of  the  doughty  captain, 
and  he  hastened  to  greet  his  friend  Delano,  whom 
he  had  not  seen  since  the  previous  summer.  The 
hotel  faced  the  harbor  and  was  surrounded  by 
broad  piazzas  and  trees.  There  was  the  usual  hum 
of  voices  about  the  hotel ;  a  few  gentlemen  were 
sitting  around  the  main  entrance  smoking,  and 
reading  their  morning  mail  and  newspapers ;  a 
youth  in  knickerbockers  was  showing  a  dip-net  to 
a  lady  and  telling  of  the  millions  of  little  fishes  at 
the  bridge ;  a  man  in  rough  clothes  and  rubber 
boots  had  a  basket  of  fish-lines  and  a  pail  of  live 
minnows,  and  his  companion  carried  a  pair  of  oars 
and  a  lunch-basket ;  several  ladies  occupied  rock- 
ing-chairs near  the  parlor  windows,  knitting  or 
making  art  embroidery  ;  boys  and  girls,  with  rack- 
ets in  hand,  chattered  and  flirted  on  the  way  to 
the  tennis-court ;  servants  shuffled  up  and  down 
the  steps  and  stairs  ;  drivers  of  buck-board,  surrey 
and  phaeton  lolled  upon  the  seats  and  whisked 


THE    SEA    LETTER  J 

away  the  flies  from  the  horses  ;  market  wagons 
called  or  drove  past,  and  bicyclists  sped  by  like 
the  wind,  or  pushed  their  wheels  to  a  rest  by  the 
steps.  In  fact,  everything  went  on  in  and  around 
this  hotel,  just  as  it  does  at  most  caravansaries 
upon  the  sea-coast,  and  the  guests  were  little  diff- 
erent from  those  one  meets  at  such  summer  places 
all  the  way  from  Campo  Bello  to  Virginia  Beach. 

The  hotel  was  hardly  awake  yet :  the  poplar 
trees  along  the  front  had  not  felt  enough  breeze  to 
shake  off  the  dust  that  had  gathered  during  the 
previous  evening ;  the  blooded  pet  dogs  and 
village  curs  were  stretched  out  in  the  sunny  spots ; 
the  vessels'  sails  hung  idly  up  and  down,  and  the 
bathing-time  was  still  an  hour  away.  Suddenly, 
there  arose  upon  the  breeze  a  long,  musical  blast, 
with  wind  and  trill  and  sweet  cadence.  The  dogs 
raised  their  drooping  ears  ;  the  hotel  life  roused  as 
from  sleep ;  people  looked  and  questioned,  and 
Miss  Gabrielle  Palmer  cried,  "  Did  you  hear  that, 
mother  ?  They  are  coming — I  know  the  sound  of 
the  horn, "  as  she  arose  from  her  chair  and  gazed 
down  the  road. 

"Who  is  coming,  my  dear?"  asked  the  lady 
calmly,  shifting  her  chair  a  little,  while  others  did 
likewise  and  looked  inquiringly  from  the  road  to 
the  fair  young  girl,  whose  blue  eyes  sparkled,  and 
tender  cheeks  flushed  with  excitement  over  antici- 
pation of  an  important  arrival. 


8 


"  Tom." 

"Mr.  Delano?" 

"  Yes ;  he  left  Newport  yesterday,  and  wrote 
me  he  would  try  and  catch  the  first  boat  over  and 
get  his  friends  here  before  dinner. " 

Sweet  and  clear  rose  and  fell  the  winding  of 
the  horn  ;  the  drivers  turned  around  to  look,  the 
loungers  and  business  men  twisted  their  chairs  or 
stood  up,  the  tennis  party  stopped  the  play,  and  the 
clerks  and  servants  gathered  at  the  doors  and  win- 
dows ;  all  listening  eagerly  and  looking  down  the 
road.  Nothing  was  to  be  seen  except  a  cloud  of 
dust,  for  it  had  been  sunny  and  dry,  and  the  road 
along  the  border  of  the  harbor  was  not  well  ma- 
cadamized. 

"  How  is  he  coming,  Gabrielle  ? "  asked  her 
mother. 

"  In  the  tally-ho,  of  course." 

"  And  who  is  with  him  pray  ? " 

"  A  lot  of  jolly  bachelors  —  just  what  we  need 
to  save  the  season  from  being  an  ignominious 
failure." 

"  Why,  Gabrielle  !     Don't    talk    that   way!" 

"  I  must,  Mamma.  You  know  it  is  true. 
There's  not  an  eligible  in  the  place  except  the 
Marine  Surgeon,  and  he  is  wedded  to  his  profess- 
ion, and  needs  too  much  encouragement ." 

"  Sh  !  my  child.     Who  makes  up  the  party  ? " 

"  Some  odd  sticks  Tom  has  picked  up.  You 
know  he's  great  on  improving  himself.  He  says, 


THE    SEA    LETTER  9 

'I  only  got  a  smattering  of  knowledge  at  the  Uni- 
versity, and,  when  I  go  away  on  vacation,  I  take 
along  some  bookish  men  and  keep  them  bright, 
asking  them  questions.' " 

"  An  excellent  plan,  I  am  sure.  Do  you  know 
the  names  ? " 

"Well, if  Tom  has  not  changed  his  list, it 
includes  Prof.  Thompson,  who  knows  all  the  ani- 
mals from  an  amoeba  to  a  megatherium ;  Prof. 
McFarlane,  who  names  all  the  plants  ;  Mr.  Atkins, 
a  legal  light  with  a  penchant  for  astronomy ;  Mr. 
Sanders,  a  commercial  traveller,  practical  and  gen- 
erally hungry;  Mr.  Young, a  sort  of  socialist, in 
the  iron  business ;  Mr.  Wilson,  an  electrical  char- 
acter, and  others,  who  know  enough  to  laugh  at 
his  jokes  and  wag  their  heads  in  unison. " 

"  Quite  a  distinguished  party,  I  should  say.  " 
"  Yes ;  all  striving  for  wealth  and  honor,  I 
suppose.  A  farmer  showed  me  some  potato-bugs 
in  water  yesterday.  They  formed  a  squirming 
ball :  those  beneath  climbed  to  the  top  out  of 
water  only  to  be  rolled  under  again  and  again, 
until  only  a  few  remained  at  last  upon  the  mass  of 
their  drowned  companions.  Wasn't  that  a  fine 
example  of  men's  struggles  in  knowledge  and  foot- 
ball?" 

"  What  a  strange  creature  you  are,  Gabrielle." 
The  ladies  sitting  around    listened  wonder- 
ingly  and  nodded. 


io  THE    SEA    LETTER 

The  music  of  the  horn  floated  upon  the 
southerly  breeze  that  was  cooled  by  lake  and  sea, 
and  the  people  caught  a  glimpse  of  four  prancing 
horses  and  a  coach  covered  outside  by  young  men. 
The  chestnut  pole-horses  were  broad  and  strong, 
and  had  the  proud  necks  and  steady  movements  of 
English  thoroughbreds.  The  Kentucky  leaders 
were  slender,  agile,  and  playful,  and  tossed  their 
manes  and  heads  and  stepped  gingerly,  as  if  afraid 
of  breaking  through  the  asphalt  upon  which  they 
were  now  trotting.  The  harnesses  were  mounted 
in  jet  and  gold,  and  glittered  in  the  sunlight  as  the 
horses  changed  position.  The  coach,  in  old  gold 
and  red  colors,  seemed  to  roll  along  after  the  horses 
instead  of  being  pulled  by  them.  The  riders 
turned  and  twisted  to  look  at  the  landscape  and 
the  people ;  the  driver  held  the  reins  firmly  and 
swung  the  whip  gracefully ;  the  colored  servant  in 
livery  on  a  rear  corner  of  the  coach  pointed  his 
horn  in  different  directions  and  blew  sweet,  sharp 
tones  to  the  neighborhood;  and,  amid  flying 
bicycles,  barking  dogs,  rushing  children,  and  the 
bustle  and  excitement  of  servants  and  guests  upon 
the  ground  and  piazza.,  the  team  drew  up  at  the 
entrance  of  the  hotel,  stable-boys  grasped  the 
leaders  by  the  bridles,  the  riders  climbed  down  and 
entered  the  hotel  office,  and  the  outfit  was  taken 
to  the  stables  in  the  rear. 

Then  the  gentlemen  resumed  their  conversa- 
tion and  newspapers ;  the  ladies  re-arranged  their 


THE    SEA    LETTER  n 

rocking-chairs  and  fancy  work;  some  of  the  girls 
went  in  and  looked  over  the  register  and  brought 
the  names  of  the  new  arrivals  out  to  their 
elders ;  the  willows  and  poplars  waved  their  dusty 
leaves  lazily  as  before,  and  the  sleepy  dogs 
stretched  out  and  took  another  nap. 

An  hour  later,  men  and  women,  girls  and 
boys,  in  couples  and  groups,  were  seen  going  to 
the  shore;  some  fully  dressed,  some  in  negligee, 
and  some  in  complete  bathing-suits  ready  for  a 
dip,  as  it  was  but  a  short  walk  to  the  bathing- 
beach.  There  was  true  democracy,  a  mixture  of 
the  vulgar  and  the  refined  upon  the  sea  level. 
People  did  not  care  to  insist  upon  social  prestige, 
where  class  distinction  was  obliterated  by  a 
common  dress,  and  one  could  not  recognize  any 
difference  between  plebeian  and  patrician  forms. 
There  was  a  hilarity,  an  abandon  and  a  bonhomie 
quite  characteristic  of  Americans  on  pleasure  bent. 

The  sandy,  pebbly  beach  stretched  away  with 
a  gentle  curve  of  foam  to  a  point  which  jutted 
seaward.  Rows  of  bath-houses  stood  along  the 
bank,  backed  by  sedgy  grass  and  sand-hills; 
little  landings,  with  steps  for  tender  feet,  led  to 
deep  water ;  and  lobster  and  fish-cars  and  boats 
lay  beyond  half  buried  in  sand  or  drawn  above 
high-water  mark. 

The  swell  of  the  sea  caused  a  gentle  surf 
to  rise  and  curl  and  fall  like  a  flattened  scroll  at 
the  feet  of  the  bathers  now  gathered  along  the 


12  THE    SEA    LETTER 

beach.  The  surface  of  the  water  was  roughened 
by  waves  of  pearly  hue,  which  resembled  flutter- 
ing silver-poplar  leaves  before  a  storm.  Streaks 
of  sand  reflected  yellow  lights  upwards,  between 
green  and  inky  hues  of  water  over  eel-grass, 
seaweed  and  boulders.  The  day  was  sunny  and 
warm;  and  the  soft  southwest  breeze  brought 
the  delicious  odors  of  seaweed  and  salt-marsh 
flowers. 

The  bathers  began  to  dabble  along  the 
beach,  to  wade  in  timidly,  and  to  cry:  "O,  it's 
cold!"  "Come  on, never  mind!"  "Wet  your  head 
first ! "  "I  must  not  wet  my  hair  ! "  "  Stop  spat- 
tering me  ! "  "  Don't  pull  my  arm  so  ! "  "  Wet  all 
over  at  once  and  you'll  find  the  water  delicious." 
"  Don't  go  out  so  far ! "  "  But  you  must,  if  you 
wish  to  learn  to  swim."  "  Get  your  feet  off  the 
bottom  and  see  how  the  water  will  hold  you  up." 
"O,  I  cannot!"  Trust  the  water  once — I'll  hold 
your  chin  up."  "  O,  I'm  choking !  I  swallowed  a 
pint."  "Your  feet  are  too  high — kick  straight  back." 
"  You  want  to  drown  me."  "  I'll  hold  you  by  the 
belt."  "  Let  me  breathe  a  minute."  "  Try  sleigh- 
riding."  "Don't  dive  under  me.  Oh!  Oh !  get 
away  ! "  "  Now  Molly,  come  on  ! "  "  Not  so  fast." 
"Buh!  I  swallowed  a  quart.  Oh!  it  is  nasty."  "It 
nearly  breaks  my  back,  stretching  out  so." 
"Keep  your  black  stockings  down! — You  don't 
need  to  kick  the  stars."  "I  never  found  anything 
so  hard  except  fractions."  "Now  Susie,  strike 


out  like  a  frog,  you  know."  "  I  can  float  some." 
"Um,  that's  jolly."  "Oh!  you  nearly  upset  me." 
"Excuse  me,  madam,  I  was  awkward."  "Ugh! 
I'm  —  I'm  —  stran — strang — ling!" 

"  Madam,  I'll  help  you.  Move  your  hands 
so — flat  at  first,  then  turned  a  little  upwards 
and  outwards ;  swing  your  arms  back ;  kick  with 
both  feet,  drawing  the  legs  up  to  the  body 
each  time — so — practice  in  deep  water  and  you  will 
soon  learn." 

"Thank   you.      The    water   is    fine    to-day." 

"  I  have  bathed  everywhere  from  Maine  to 
Virginia,  and  this  is  the  warmest  place  of  all,  and 
the  surf  is  not  dangerous." 

These  were  some  of  the  exclamations  and 
phrases  of  the  amateurs  in  shallow  water,  and 
the  exertions,  antics  and  mishaps  were  numerous 
and  remarkable. 

Out  in  deeper  water,  men  and  women, 
young  and  old,  were  floating  sleigh-riding,  swim- 
ing  on  the  stomach  and  back,  diving,  and 
jumping  from  a  spring-board  and  float  anchored 
off.  They  sat  in  rows  along  the  stage; 
reclined  upon  it  in  the  sun  ;  sunk  it  to  force  every- 
one off,  and  played  pranks,  shouting  and  laughing, 
unconscious  of  clinging  garments  and  exposed  lines 
of  beauty  or  angularity,  and  heedless  of  criticism 
in  the  excitement  and  unwonted  pleasure. 
Young  men  were  fearless ;  young  women  swam 
and  dove  like  mermaids ;  athletes  of  both  sexes 


i4  THE    SEA    LETTER 

revealed  hardened  muscles  and  glorious  curves 
of  symmetrical  development,  and  elderly  persons, 
with  craned  necks  and  round  shoulders, 
resembled  a  gathering  of  drowning  Brownies. 

The  wharf,  the  wreck  and  the  bank  were 
occupied  by  many  ladies,  dressed  in  the  light, 
bright  shades  of  summer  stuffs,  and  shaded  by  gay 
parasols  from  the  fierce  rays  of  the  sun.  Gentle- 
men shared  the  grateful  shade  with  their  acquaint- 
ances, sweethearts,  or  wives,  and  little  children 
helped  to  make  up  merry  groups.  Calls  to 
acquaintances,  shouts  of  approval  or  direction, 
clapping  of  hands,  and  bursts  of  laughter,  greeted 
the  bathers  from  time  to  time,  and  mingled 
with  quiet  conversation  and  the  music  of  the 
band.  The  bathers  left  the  water  slowly,  drip- 
ping and  straggling;  some  reclined  and  played 
upon  the  sand;  some  ran  up  and  down  swinging 
their  arms ;  some  rushed  to  the  bath  houses  and 
wrung  out  their  hair  and  clothes;  some  wrapped 
their  heads  in  towels,  or  let  their  hair  hang 
loosely  down  their  backs,  or  tipped  their  hats 
jauntily  over  their  noses;  and  all  soon  sought  their 
rooms  at  the  cottages  or  hotels  to  dress  for  dinner — 
for  it  was  a  rule  of  this  place  to  dine  about  noon — 
at  one  o'clock — when  vitality  was  highest  and  the 
sun  near  its  zenith. 

Mr.  Delano  had  witnessed  the  bathing  from  a 
wreck  and  was  walking  slowly  up  the  wharf,  when 
he  was  startled  to  see  the  figure  of  a  woman,  with 


THE    SEA    LETTER  15 

hands  clasped  beneath  her  head,  lying  stretched 
out  full  length  upon  the  hot  sands.  "  A  drowned 
woman,  perhaps  a  suicide,"  flashed  through  his 
mind,  and  he  was  about  to  rush  to  the  body,  when 
he  saw  a  foot  turn  and  other  movements  of  life.  He 
stopped  astonished  and  transfixed,  and  viewed  the 
lines  and  curves  of  this  charming  creature,  who 
was  warming  and  resting  herself  in  the  sunlight 
totally  regardless  of  his  critical  and  admiring  gaze. 
She  was  a  blonde  of  the  golden  hair  type,  with 
deep  blue  eyes,  a  slightly  aquiline  nose,  and  a  head 
like  Cleopatra.  The  little  silk  cap  she  wore  was 
half  buried  in  the  wealth  of  her  luxuriant  tresses. 
Delano  judged  her  height  to  be  about  five  and  a 
half  feet.  She  turned  her  face  towards  him,  and 
he  was  startled  to  recognize  an  acquaintance,  Miss 
Gabrielle  Palmer. 

Ashamed  of  his  surreptitious  observation,  and 
unwilling  to  dispel  her  ignorance  of  his  presence, 
or  to  interrupt  her  repose  or  reverie,  he  retreated 
across  the  wharf,  hastened  to  the  street  and  back 
to  the  hotel  among  the  scurrying  figures  of  bathers, 
some  in  clinging  suits,  some  in  bath-robes,  and  some 
covered  from  head  to  foot  in  mackintoshes. 

An  hour  later,  all  were  at  dinner,  and  young 
and  old  displayed  ravenous  appetites.  Acquaint- 
ances nodded  to  each  other  across  the  table,  or 
stopped  to  greet  more  warmly  as  they  passed,  and 
Mr.  Delano  shook  hands  with  half  a  dozen  persons, 
including  Gabrielle  and  her  mother,  before  he 


1 6  THE    SEA    LETTER 

took  his  seat  with  his  bachelor  friends.  After 
dinner  some  of  the  guests  went  to  their  rooms  for 
a  nap;  others  sought  the  rocking-chairs  and  shady 
piazza;  the  elderly  gentlemen  formed  a  group  to 
the  left  of  the  entrance  and  smoked  and  talked, 
and  the  younger  men  mingled  with  the  ladies  and 
the  children  to  the  right,  where  wit,  beauty  and 
fashion  preferred  to  congregate. 


CHAPTER  II. 


The  piazza  of  the  hotel  presented  an  ani- 
mated scene.  There  were  guests  from  all  parts 
of  North  America.  Delano  had  several  acquaint- 
ances to  whom  he  introduced  his  friends,  and 
these  introduced  others  in  turn,  and  frivolous 
speeches,  confidential  chats  and  earnest  discus- 
sions mingled  with  exclamations  and  laughter,  and 
the  noise  of  romping  children.  Many  questions 
were  asked  by  the  newcomers,  concerning  the 
place,  its  attractions,  its  customs,  its  society  and 
healthfulness,  and  they  related  the  gossip  of 
Newport  and  their  experiences  and  pleasures  upon 
the  coaching  trip.  Groups  of  pretty  girls,  dressed 
in  lawns,  challies,  chiffon  and  silk,  giggled  over  odd 
characters  and  incongruities  of  dress ;  held  low 
toned  conferences  about  affairs,  and  looked  side- 
ways and  curiously  towards  Delano,  as  the  hero  of 
the  hour. 

"  We  are  having  fine  weather  now,  but  it 
was  rather  wet  during  June,"  observed  Mrs.  Ward 
to  Mrs.  Conant  at  her  right  side. 


1 8  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"  Yes ;  I  am  thankful  we  arrived  before  the 
hot  spell.  It  has  been  95°  in  the  shade  from 
Boston  to  St.  Louis  all  the  week,  while  here  the 
temperature  has  not  been  above  85°,  and  there 
has  been  a  fine  breeze  blowing  day  and  night." 

"  The  south  westers  blow  too  strong ;  hats 
and  hair  are  flying  everywhere, "  remarked  Mrs. 
LaCrosse. 

"  Breezes  make  the  yachts  jump, "  declared 
Lieut.  Ferguson,  a  naval  officer  on  leave. 

"  But  you  do  not  need  wind,  when  you  use 
electricity  or  steam,"  said  Miss  Palmer. 

"  True ;  I  was  not  thinking  of  tea-kettle 
yachtsmen,  who  are  always  in  a  hurry  to  get 
somewhere,  and  make  short  stays  when  they  get 
there.  They  take  no  pleasure  in  handling  sails 
and  battling  with  gales,  and  should  travel  in  public 
conveyances." 

"  Your  naval  vessels  are  mostly  steam,  and 
managing  their  machinery  by  touching  an  electric 
button  has  superseded  tacking  and  wearing, " 
interrupted  Mr.  Wilson. 

"  More's  the  pity.  When  we  need  real 
sailors,  we  are  obliged  to  recruit  them  from  coast- 
ers, fishermen  and  foreigners." 

"  Congress  is  to  blame,"  declared  Mr.  Young. 
"  When  the  civil  war  closed,  we  had  over  six 
hundred  naval  vessels,  and  a  considerable  fleet  of 
merchantmen  that  the  privateers  had  not  gobbled. 
If  we  had  subsidized  our  steamships  and  freed 


THE    SEA    LETTER  19 

ship-building  materials  from  excessive  taxation, 
our  sails  would  now  whiten  every  sea." 

"  And  they  have  bungled  the  fishery 
question  too.  New  England  has  been  euchred 
by  the  Provinces,  "  added  Atkins. 

"  O,  there  were  other  fish  to  fry, "  said 
Sanders,  and  the  allusion  to  the  Maine  senator 
caused  a  laugh. 

A  mist  had  crept  over  the  island  from  the 
south,  the  headlands  were  hidden,  and  a  fog-horn 
was  groaning  hideously. 

"  The  first  fog  this  summer,  "  remarked  Mrs. 
Phelps. 

"  We  have  less  fog  than  the  main  shore, " 
said  Dr.  Kenelm,  the  house  physician,  standing 
near.  "  This  sandy  soil  does  not  hold  water  and 
becomes  heated  rapidly.  The  heat  is  radiated 
upwards  and  added  to  that  of  the  sun's  rays,  and 
the  temperature  of  the  air  is  raised  and  the  vapor 
absorbed.  Then  an  almost  imperceptible  change 
in  the  direction  of  the  wind,  or  an  increase  in  its 
movement,  drives  the  banks  away.  There  is  a 
legend  that  Old  Squant,  an  Indian  spirit  'up 
island'  causes  the  fogs  by  smoking  his  pipe." 

"  What  a  scientific  explanation  !  "  exclaimed 
Miss  Helen  Purdy,  a  Wellesley  graduate,  who  wore 
glasses,  and  had  been  nick-named  "  Goggles  "  by 
Miss  May  Henderson. 

"How  comical!"  said  May  giggling. 


20  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"A  paradox!  A  dry  seaside  resort — and  a  para- 
gon to  maintain  it!"  cried  Mr.  Thompson  with 
laughter. 

The  mist  was  lifting  already,  but  a  dense  bank 
rested  upon  the  sea  and  the  horn  was  still  roaring. 

Some  vessels  crept  cautiously  into  the  harbor, 
glad  to  anchor  for  the  night,  as  the  wind  was 
going  into  the  southeast  and  the  sky  thickening. 

"The  shallows  and  the  Gulf  Stream  elevate 
the  temperature  of  our  bathing  places  and  the  sea 
promotes  equability,"  said  Mr.  Etheridge.  "Cape 
Cod  and  Nantucket  divert  the  arctic  current  south, 
and  Vineyard  and  Long  Island  sounds  are  warmer 
than  the  outside  waters.  The  average  temperature 
of  the  water  is  65°,  and  the  air  67°,  during  the 
summer.  While  much  cooler  in  the  summer,  the 
winter  climate  is  about  the  same  as  that  of 
Virginia." 

"I  should  like  to  have  some  of  that  charm- 
ing equability  now,"  remarked  Miss  Victoria 
McDonald,  the  perspiration  starting  over  her  face, 
as  she  moved  her  chair  out  of  the  sun. 

"  Sunshine  and  ozonized  air  destroy  the  detri- 
tus of  life  and  starve  microbes,"  added  the  doctor. 
"Children  thrive  here,  and  the  average  of  life  on 
the  island  is  fifty-seven  years.  Man  is  best  in 
the  country.  Conflicts  with  nature  and  simple 
sports  develop  the  body,  and  the  nervous  system  is 
strong  because  not  overwhelmed  by  sensations." 


THE    SEA    LETTER  21 

There  was  considerable  noise.  Children 
were  rnnning  around  the  piazzas  with  tin  horses 
and  wagons,  trains  of  cars,  and  tricycles;  some 
little  girls  were  playing  games  of  "  Ring  around 
rosy"  and  "Copenhagen,"  and  the  lads  on  the  lawn 
were  practicing  bicycle  tricks. 

"One  would  judge  from  observation  around  us, 
Doctor,  the  younger  generation  was  beginning 
life  correctly,"  observed  Mrs.  Ward. 

Just  then,  Mabel,  her  little  daughter,  patted 
the  head  of  Miss  Dodge's  terrier  and  screamed 
as  he  bit  her  finger,  and  Tingeling  Chase,  a  chubby 
child  of  four  years,  rolled  down  the  hotel  steps 
with  his  express-wagon. 

There  was  commotion  and  commiseration 
and  the  doctor  repaired  the  damages. 

"  How  dare  you  bite  anyone,  Zip?  You  bad, 
bad  dog!  I  never  knew  him  to  do  such  a  thing 
before,"  said  Miss  Dodge  apologetically. 

"Why  don't  you  thrash  the  vicious  brute?" 
said  Mr.  Thompson  angrily. 

"  I  never  did  and  I  don't  like  to  begin,"ans- 
wered  Miss  Dodge,  as  she  gathered  her  pet  in  her 
lap,  kissed  him,  and  told  him  to  go  to  sleep. 

The  people  about  the  hotel  were  interested  in 
dogs,  as  well  as  afflicted  by  them.  Sympathetic 
and  curious  ladies  discussed  their  appearance, 
breed  and  sagacity  with  considerable  interest,  and 
many  became  acquainted  and  friendly  through  this 


22  THE    SEA    LETTER 

lowly  animal,  which  stands  next  to  woman  in  man's 
estimation  and  above  man  in  woman's. 

"There  are  so  many  children  romping  around 
the  hotel,  one  might  as  well  be  in  a  lunatic  asylum. 
I  like  hotels  where  they  refuse  children,"  declared 
Miss  Dodge  spitefully. 

"Well,  thank  goodness!  they  are  few,  and  for 
my  part,  I  prefer  children  to  dogs,"  retorted  Mrs. 
LaCrosse. 

"  What  kind  of  a  creature  is  Miss  Dodge  ? " 
asked  Delano  of  Gabrielle. 

"  She  is  an  artist,  or  tries  to  be  so  considered. 
She  has  her  own  boat  and  goes  off  sketching  as  far 
as  Katama.  You  should  see  her  water-colors  of 
marshes,  bulrushes  and  boats." 

"  Um  !  the  artless  and  artful  often  take  to 
art." 

"  The  kodak  is  good  enough  for  me,"  declared 
Miss  Florence  Hastings,  a  sentimental,  impulsive 
young  lady  yet  in  her  teens. 

"  Do  you  develop  and  mount  ?  "  asked  Prof. 
McFarlane. 

"  No,  I  don't  like  to  stain  my  fingers." 

"  I  hope  the  gentlemen  will  not  smoke  upon 
our  side  of  the  piazza, "  remarked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

"  What  is  the  use  of  being  capricious  ? "  said 
Mrs.  Palmer.  "  Smoking  in  our  presence  was 
once  a  favor.  Now  it  is  assumed  as  a  right. 
We  are  ourselves  to  blame  for  it.  We  sit  in 
the  hall-office  among  the  men  knitting  and 


THE    SEA    LETTER  23 

reading,  while  they  contaminate  the  whole 
establishment." 

"  Yes,  too  much  foreign  influence.  Men 
smoke  everywhere  except  in  church,  and  get  up 
'  Smokers, '  where  they  narcotize  themselves  under 
a  pretence  of  literary  entertainment.  Dr.  Kenelm 
says,  '  Many  diseases  are  caused  by  tobacco,  and  it 
never  benefits  anyone.'  " 

"  Then  the  doctor  is  a  crank  and  doesn't 
smoke, "  broke  in  a  gray-beard  sitting  not  far 
away. 

"  It  must  have  been  very  interesting  around 
here  a  thousand  years  ago,  when  the  Norsemen 
cruised  along  the  coast  in  their  open  boats,  and 
frightened  the  Indians  with  their  coats  of  mail 
and  rude  arms,"  remarked  Lieut.  Ferguson.  "  I 
am  told  they  called  Martha's  Vineyard, '  Strau- 
mey' ;  No  Man's  Land, '  Norseman's  Land' ;  West 
Chop, '  Vest  Kop' ;  East  Chop,  '  Ost  Kop' ,  and 
Nantucket, '  Nankition  '  ;  but  I  think  the  histori- 
cal evidence  is  rather  defective,  though  the  Old 
Mill  (or  fort)  at  Newport  is  a  monument  of 
their  presence  and  daring  navigating." 

"  We  are  certain  Capt.  Gosnold,  an  English 
explorer,  visited  this  region  and  seized  Nantucket, 
Martha's  Vineyard  and  the  chain  of  islands 
between  Vineyard  Sound  and  Buzzard's  Bay,  and 
established  a  colony  upon  Cuttyhunk,  in  1602. 
Did  you  ever  hear  the  Indian  names  of  the  chain, 
which  he  called  the  Elizabeth  Islands  in  honor  of 


24  THE    SEA    LETTER 

the  English  Queen  ?     They  have  been  strung  into 
rhyme  by  an  unknown  poet : 

"  '  Naushon,  Nonamesset, 
Uncatena  and  Wepecket, 
Nashawena,  Pasque(inese), 
Cuttyhunk  and  Penekese  ' — " 
and  Gabrielle  ceased  her  recital  and  blushed  as 
her  friends  applauded  heartily. 

"  The  chain  reminds  me  of  an  index  finger 
with  its  three  phalanges  and  metacarpal  bone 
pointing  towards  Block  Island.  The  isles  are  four 
to  seven  miles  from  Martha's  Vineyard  and  thirty 
to  forty  from  Nantucket,  "  added  Thompson,  who 
was  forever  using  anatomical  illustrations. 

"  Then  the  pious  Mahew  came,  wandered 
among  the  Indian  mounds,  meditated  upon  the 
shell-heaps  and  spear  and  arrow  heads  mingled 
with  the  remains  of  mastodons,  and  brought  the 
wild  men  of  the  woods  into  the  church  and  the 
wild  lands  of  Martha's  Vineyard  under  cultivation," 
asserted  Miss  Purdy  modestly. 

"  If  you  enjoy  historical  reminiscences,  I 
would  ask  you  to  remember :  Thomas  Mahew 
lived  at  Geen  Hollow  on  Green  Harbor,  now 
called  Edgartown,  where  his  house  still  holds 
together.  The  head  of  Lake  Waquataqua,  once 
the  head  of  the  harbor,  where  Scotland  Springs 
supply  the  city  water,  was  a  Pocket  of  Water. 
A  man  named  Holmes  was  killed  there  by  Indians, 
and  the  whole  harbor  took  the  name  of  Holmes 


THE    SEA    LETTER  25 

Hole,  which  has  been  changed  to  Vineyard  Haven. 
Dover  Bluffs  received  the  better  designation,  Gay 
Head.  Oak  Bluffs  bear  the  less  interesting  name 
of  Cottage  City,  and  the  Haven,  known  long  ago 
as  Nobnorket,  has  become  a  village  of  Tisbury. 

"This  island  was  the  Indian's  Nope,  also, 
Capawock;  a  Dutch  Captain  Block  claimed  it  as 
Martin  Wyngaard's  Island,  but  Captain  Gosnold 
had  long  before  honored  his  daughter  Martha  and 
recognized  its  vines  by  naming  it  Martha's  Vine- 
yard." 

Thus  declared  Victoria  with  precision  and 
gravity,  while  her  friends  listened  attentively  and 
broke  into  exclamations  of  approval  as  she  finished. 

"  I  supposed  I  was  among  Yankee  girls  with  a 
reasonable  amount  of  education,"  commented  the 
Lieut.,  "but  I  have  run  against  a  section  of  the 
Sorosis,  or  an  entire  brigade  of  Bluestockings." 

Everyone  laughed  and  the  doctor  said, 
"What  can  you  expect,  Lieut.,  when  many  of  our 
young  ladies  go  through  high  school  and  graduate 
at  college?" 

"I  ought  to  be  prepared  for  anything  these 
times,  but  I've  been  so  long  at  sea,  I  forgot  our 
ladies  were  brilliant  as  well  as  beautiful," 

The  older  girls  bowed,  the  younger  beamed 
upon  him,  and  the  mothers  smoothed  their  dresses 
and  nodded. 

This  sprig  of  the  favorite  service  of  Uncle 
Sam  had  made  a  good  impression. 


26  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"What  a  beautiful  yacht!"  cried  Flossie,  as  a 
natty  schooner  came  out  of  the  fog  with  a  rush, 
made  a  turn  in  front  of  the  N.  Y.  Yacht  Club 
wharf,  dropped  her  head  sails  and  came  to  anchor. 

"  It  seems  to  be  the  Walrus,"  said  a  gentle- 
man on  the  south  piazza,  looking  through  his 
marine  glasses.  "Newport  cannot  hold  Lamson 
this  fine  sailing  weather." 

"He  is  probably  on  a  cruise  to  Bar  Harbor. 
Captain  Oliver  said,  '  Yachts  will  be  coming  and 
going  all  the  season,'  "  exclaimed  Babson,  a  New 
York  broker. 

"  There  will  be  a  grand  time  here  when  the 
whole  fleet  arrives;  this  hotel  gives  the  members 
of  the  club  and  their  guests  a  hop,  I  believe." 

"Yes,  and  the  fleet  responds  with  an  illumina- 
tion and  fire-works." 

"The  perch  are  biting  lively  just  now.  Will 
you  go  fishing  with  me  to-morrow,  Wilson?"  asked 
Young. 

"  I  guess  so.  Where  are  you  going  and 
what  time  will  you  start?" 

"  Out  to  Chappaquonsett  —  and  at  seven 
o'clock.  Fish  bite  best  in  the  early  morning." 

"They'll  not  bite  for  me  that  early.  I  came 
here  for  rest  and  recreation.  Say  eight  and  I'll 
meet  you  at  breakfast." 

"Very  well,  sleepy-head.  Let  it  be  eight 
then." 


THE    SEA    LETTER  27 

One  man  was  nodding  over  his  newspaper, 
another  rocking  his  little  girl,  and  another  watch- 
ing some  ladies  over  the  way. 

There  was  a  restful  appearance  about  the 
hotel,  and  the  gentle  zephyrs  from  the  sea  barely 
lifted  the  leaves  on  the  trees,  or  made  the  callas 
nod  to  the  roses. 


CHAPTER   III. 

Delano  had  sent  his  baggage  to  the  old 
mansion  and  made  a  pleasant  call  upon  the  Olivers 
before  dinner,  and  he  left  his  friends  to  their 
afternoon  siestas  and  went  over  to  unpack  and 
arrange  things  in  the  room,  which  Mrs.  Oliver  had 
prepared  for  his  use.  He  preferred  the  spacious 
apartment  and  homelike  privileges  here,  and  did 
not  consider  it  a  severe  affliction  to  go  to  the 
hotel  for  meals.  This  plan  gave  greater  freedom 
and  enabled  him  to  get  rid  of  bores. 

There  was  a  profusion  of  old-fashioned  flowers 
around  the  house.  Asters,  geraniums,  hollyhocks, 
sweet  William,  tiger-lilies  and  poppies,  nodded  in 
the  breeze;  varieties  of  brillant  colored  nasturtiums 
with  great  green  leaves  covered  the  stone  walls; 
callas,  yuccas  and  sunflowers  grew  in  sheltered 
corners;  coleus  and  box-bordered  beds  and  walks, 
and  a  velvety  lawn  extended  under  the  trees  to  the 
beach  where  sail-boats  danced  at  anchor.  A  well- 
curb  with  block  and  rope,  and  several  small  build- 
ings, shingled  like  the  house,  stood  behind  and 
aside  as  if  embarrassed. 


THE    SEA    LETTER  29 

Entering  the  house  by  the  front  door,  one 
found  a  narrow  hall  extending  back  to  the  dining 
room  ;  the  parlor  on  the  left  was  Delano's  bed- 
chamber, with  a  pantry  behind  it ;  the  sitting-room 
was  on  the  right,  with  a  bed-room  adjoining; 
and  a  dining-room  filled  the  remainder  of  the  lower 
floor  across  the  rear,  having  a  kitchen  in  an  L. 
The  ceilings  were  covered  by  the  original  plaster 
and  many  patches  ;  the  walls  showed  modern  paper 
with  strange  patterns  in  the  old  deep  layers  ;  the 
simple  mantels  were  marbleized  in  black ;  and 
shades,  carpets,  rag-rugs,  and  antique  and  modern 
furniture  completed  the  furnishings.  A  gun  hung 
over  the  mantel  in  the  sitting-room  ;  and  several 
whale's  teeth,  a  sheet  of  whalebone,  pieces  of  coral, 
and  curious  shells,  occupied  shelves  and  closets. 
Pictures  of  ships,  sailing  in  smooth  harbors  or 
battling  with  terrific  seas,  hung  in  the  larger  wall 
spaces,  amid  patterns  in  hair,  pen  sketches,  sea- 
mosses  and  photographs  in  little  frames.  Papers, 
magazines  and  books  were  scattered  over  the 
tables  and  sofa,  and  Bowditch's  Navigator  and 
the  Holy  Bible  lay  together. 

Delano's  room  had  few  ornaments,  and  he 
arranged  his  traps  and  clothing  as  he  wished, 
while  the  captain  talked  with  him  about  a  yachting 
cruise  they  had  made  the  previous  summer  in 
Long  Island  Sound.  They  spoke  of  wreckers, 
smugglers,  tories,  traitors  and  Indians,  who  had 
been  upon  the  island  in  early  times.  The  captain 


30  THE    SEA    LETTER 

told  of  Cousins,  who  sat  upon  the  shore  and  fired 
at  H.  M.  Ship  Nimrod,  in  1776,  and  of  a  rusty 
round-shot  which  he  had  found  in  the  garden, 
and  declared  the  old  mansion  would  tell  thrilling 
stories  could  it  speak  in  language,  as  it  did  to  the 
eye  and  imagination. 

The  wind  shifted  around  from  the  western 
side  of  the  compass  after  dark,  with  much  light- 
ning and  distant  thunder,  and  stopped  and  began 
to  blow  from  the  northeast.  There  was  a  leaden 
bank  behind  it ;  the  long  puffs  alternating  with 
short  lulls  indicated  a  rising  gale  ;  gray  clouds 
and  scud  crept  across  the  moon  and  zenith  ;  the 
thermometer  fell  ten  degrees,  and  the  barometer 
stood  at  28.  6  in.  The  black  water  of  the  harbor, 
lighted  by  white-caps  and  lightning  flashes,  re- 
sembled teeth  in  a  countenance  turgid  with  anger. 
The  harbor  was  rapidly  filling  with  vessels,  and  the 
noise  of  slatting  canvas,  and  rumble  of  cables, 
following  plunging  anchors,  mingled  with  the  claps 
of  thunder.  Old  Boreas  had  come  out  of  his  cave 
for  mischief. 

"  As  he  puffed  his  cheeks  and  pursed  his  lips, 

And  blew  and  blew  and  blew." 

Something  had  brewed  in  the  Caribbean 
Sea,  and  a  tropical  hurricane  was  circling  up  the 
coast  to  confound  unsuspecting  boatmen  and  ship- 
masters. 

The  swish  and  whistle  of  the  wind,  the  shrieks 
in  the  chimney,  the  creaking  and  trembling  of  the 


THE    SEA    LETTER  31 

house,  the  roar  of  trees  and  surf,  and  the  vivid 
lightning  and  heavy  thunder,  were  not  conducive  to 
sleep,  and  Delano  sat  by  the  window  looking  out 
upon  the  turbulent  sea,  and  the  ghostly  vessels  at 
anchor  or  scudding  into  harbor.  Suddenly  he 
arose,  pulled  down  the  shades  and  locked  the  door, 
though  doors  were  seldom  locked  and  crime  was 
exceedingly  rare  upon  the  island.  He  was  nerv- 
ous and  apprehensive,  thinking  of  the  house  and 
its  history.  The  storm  howled  without  with  a 
violence  and  a  fury  only  experienced  upon  a 
prairie,  an  island  or  a  vessel  at  sea,  and  he  was 
afraid  and  appalled  by  it. 

There  came  a  loud  knock  Upon  the  door, 
and  he  trembled  as  he  cried  out  huskily,  "  Who 
is  there  ?" 

"  It  is  I,  the  captain.  Anything  wanting, 
sir  ?  I  thought  I  heard  you  call,"  came  in  well 
known  tones. 

"  God  bless  you,  Captain  !  come  in.  What 
are  you  doing  around  this  dreadful  night  ?"  said 
he,  much  relieved  as  he  unlocked  and  opened  the 
door. 

"  I  feared  some  of  the  windows  had  blown  in 
and  you  might  be  exposed  to  the  driving  rain." 

"  No ;  I  could  not  sleep  with  such  a  racket 
outside,  and  sat  smoking  and  watching  the  scenes 
when  the  lightning  flashed.  Try  a  cigar,  Captain  !" 

"  No ;  thanks  !  but  if  you  don't  mind  I'll  light 
my  pipe.  I  never  sleep  such  weather." 


32  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"  This  must  be  a  dreadful  night  at  sea." 

"  Dreadful's  no  name  for  it.  Many  a  man 
will  lose  the  number  of  his  mess  to-night,  sir. 
The  seas  and  shoals  show  no  mercy  to  a  man  who 
loses  his  reckoning.  It  is  better  to  get  inside 
and  wait  a  day  or  two,  than  stay  at  sea  and 
tear  a  good  ship  in  pieces.  It  was  such  a  gale 
as  this  when  the  Portland  foundered — only  snow 
instead  of  rain — God  help  'em  !" 

"  It  is  incredible,  notwithstanding  the  wreck- 
age and  bodies  which  were  found  along  the  shore 
of  Cape  Cod,  that  not  a  single  word  or  line  of 
information  about  the  cause  of  the  calamity  has 
been  found.  We  can  only  question  the  gale  and 
the  pitiless  sea." 

"  When  a  ship  founders  at  sea,  it  is  a  sudden 
affair  where  every  effort  is  directed  to  save  life; 
or  the  final  scene  of  a  series  of  calamities,  when 
it  is  impossible  to  find  time  and  materials  to 
prepare  a  last  message,  seal  it  securely  in  a 
bottle,  and  consign  it  to  the  ocean  mail.  How 
rare  it  is  such  a  sea  letter  ever  reaches  the  shore, 
or  is  received  by  anyone." 

"  But,  there  is  a  possibility  of  it,  and  I 
think  sooner  or  later  a  communication,  enclosed 
in  a  bottle,  will  be  found,  perhaps  upon  a 
foreign  shore,  which  will  convey  startling 
information  about  the  ill-fated  Portland,  and  may 
disturb  the  relations  of  persons  and  the  rights  of 
property.  Think  of  the  legal  complications  which 


THE    SEA    LETTER  33 

might  arise,  if  the  assumption  had  been  acted 
upon  that  the  wife  had  died  first  because  the 
weaker,  and  it  be  learned  the  contrary.  Or,  if 
a  will,  or  directions  where  to  find  one,  should  be 
enclosed  with  the  last  despairing  Good-bye." 

"Very  true,"  said  the  captain  gravely, 
puffing  his  pipe. 

"  What  can  a  vessel  do  in  a  gale  like  this  ?  " 
Delano  asked  anxiously. 

"  Lay  to  under  reefed  sail  and  drift.  I  have 
done  it  three  days  with  a  tarpaulin  in  the  mizzen 
rigging,  and  nothing  to  eat  but  hardtack  and  salt 
pork.  There  is  great  danger  from  collisions. 
Many  captains  are  too  stingy  to  burn  side-lights. 
There  is  a  heavy  fine  for  not  showing  the  red  and 
green,  but  who  can  catch  the  beggars.  You  are 
running  free  and  a  white  cloud  crosses  the  bow 
and  is  out  of  sight  in  a  minute.  Or  you  notice  a 
lead-colored  blur,  think  your  eyes  are  cloudy  for 
lack  of  sleep,  rub  them  a  moment  and  look  again 
and  the  vessel  has  disappeared.  How  is  a  man 
to  know  whether  he  has  seen  the  Mary  Jane,  the 
Flying  Dutchman,  or  the  Jolly  Rogers?  " 

"  Speaking  of  the  Jolly  Rogers,  do  you  suppose 
smugglers  and  pirates  ever  visited  this  land?"  asked 

Delano. 

"  Suppose  ?  My  grandfather  told  me  Captain 

Kidd  and  his  crew  used  to  land  upon  the  island, 
row  their  boats  through  the  lakes,  and  drag  them 
across  the  intervening  land  from  the  north  to  the 


34  THE    SEA    LETTER 

south  shore.  Look  at  Menemsha  and  Nashaquitsa 
and  Sengecontacket  and  Waquataqua,  on  the  map. 
There  is  a  tunnel  under  the  hill  near  here,  now 
partly  filled  by  rubbish,  which  grandfather  said 
led  to  a  secret  cave." 

The  captain  drew  his  chair  near  to  Delano, 
looked  around  the  room  suspiciously  and  said,  "  Do 
you  believe  in  ghosts,  sir?" 

"  I  am  afraid  I  must  in  order  to  explain  all 
the  curious  phenomena  which  come  to  my  atten- 
tion," replied  Delano  with  some  trepidation. 

"  Well,  I  swan!  and  I  do  too.  I  never  was 
afraid  of  anything.  I  have  wrestled  with  walruses ; 
fought  polar  bears  on  the  ice  ;  rowed  up  and  lanced 
a  harpooned  whale  ;  jumped  overboard  in  a  gale  to 
save  an  apprentice  ;  been  bumped  by  torpedoes, 
and  under  fire  of  little  and  big  guns,  but  I'm 
skeery  about  this  time  of  night  in  this  old  house. 
There's  something  or  other  disturbing  things. 
Lots  of  folks  lived  and  died  here,  and  it  is  kind  of 
natural  some  o'  them  should  come  back  to  see  how 
things  are  drifting.  I  ask  your  opinion  because 
you  have  more  knowledge  of  spirits  and  shore 
business." 

"What  have  you  seen  and  heard  around 
here?" 

"  I  noticed  things  I  was  using  would  get  mis- 
placed. I  would  lay  down  a  pencil,  knife,  paper 
or  book,  and  it  would  get  in  some  out-of-the-way 
place,  and  I  would  only  find  it  after  much  search- 


TJ 

2 

5 


ca    : 


THE    SEA    LETTER  35 

ing.  Then  I  heard  knocks  in  the  house  in  various 
localities,  when  all  else  was  quiet  and  no  wind 
blowing.  I  wasn't  scared,  only  uneasy,  and  kept 
the  matter  to  myself. 

"  One  night  a  terrible  gale  was  raging,  and  I 
sat  in  the  other  room  looking  out  upon  the  turbu- 
lent harbor  as  the  lightning  flashed,  when  I  saw 
a  boat  full  of  men  approaching  the  landing. 
The  sea  was  breaking  over  the  Beach  road  ;  and 
I  thought  no  boat  could  live  in  such  a  gale.  I 
took  a  lantern  and  ran  to  the  shore,  but  the 
boat  had  disappeared  in  the  foaming  torrent.  I 
returned  to  the  house  much  puzzled  and  was 
looking  out  of  the  window,  when  I  saw  by  the 
lightning  flashes  the  same  boat  carried  by  a 
high  sea  across  the  road,  swept  over  the  marsh, 
and  landed  safely  at  the  base  of  the  ridge. 
Two  sailors  went  behind  the  hill  and  the  others 
crouched  around  the  boat.  They  seemed  to  be 
covered  by  shining  steel  armor,  and  I  was 
greatly  surprised  at  their  appearance  and  miracu- 
lous escape  from  drowning.  It  was  uncanny 
and  mysterious." 

Delano  looked  scared  and  arose  and  locked 
the  door. 

"  Then  I  heard  sounds  within  the  house,  and  I 
secured  the  doors,  took  down  my  gun,  and 
listened  and  watched.  Though  my  heart  was 
throbbing  in  my  ears,  my  forehead  covered 
with  perspiration,  and  my  nerves  tingling  from 


36  THE    SEA    LETTER 

head  to  heels,  I  heard  voices  above  the  tumult 
of  the  storm,  and  would  swear  they  were  within 
the  house.  Fearing  for  my  loved  ones,  I  went 
up  to  my  bed-room  in  the  south  gable,  fastened 
the  door,  and  watched  by  its  only  window.  The 
boat  still  lay  like  a  blotch  against  the  lake,  and 
I  perceived  the  men  during  flashes  deposit  a 
small  chest  in  the  boat,  shove  off  and  row 
quickly  away  towards  Waquataqua.  Whether 
men,  ghosts,  or  demons,  I  felt  much  relieved  when 
they  disappeared  in  their  spectre  boat.  The 
armor  and  chest  looked  like  business  a  century 
old." 

The  captain  puffed  away  in  silence  awhile 
and  then  said,  "  Now  what  do  you  think  of 
that,  sir  ?" 

"  I  think  it  a  very  extraordinary  and  terri- 
ble experience,  Captain,"  replied  Delano. 

"  Yes,  and  I  cannot  find  any  secret  passage 
into  my  house.  I  am  therefore  inclined  to 
believe  the  nocturnal  visitors  and  miraculous 
navigators  were  genuine  ghosts." 

A  draft  from  the  loose  window-sash  made 
the  light  flicker,  and  the  wind  whistled  mourn- 
ful notes  in  the  chimney. 

"  The  devil  has  got  into  the  chimney 
again,"  growled  the  captain.  "  Ground-tackle 
will  not  hold  this  weather.  I  have  noticed 
when  the  chimney  talks,  the  shore  is  strewed  with 


THE    SEA    LETTER  37 

wreckage  and  vessels  the  next  morning.   I  believe 
I  will  turn  in  now.     Good -night." 

"  Good-night.  I  never  heard  it  blow  harder." 
The  sun  was  shining  brightly  the  next 
morning ;  the  seas  were  subsiding,  and  many 
vessels  were  untwisting  foul  cables  and  get- 
ting underway.  Delano  walked  to  the  shore. 
Vagrant  shingles  and  broken  limbs  of  trees  were 
in  his  path.  The  surf  was  hissing  along  the 
beach.  Pieces  of  wood,  two  broken  ship's  blocks, 
an  old  mattress,  a  boat  grating,  a  broken  oar, 
some  dead  fish,  a  shattered  skiff  and  a  sail-boat 
full  of  water,  were  scattered  along  the  sands. 
Several  small  craft  had  sunk  at  their  moorings ; 
several  battered  vessels  were  stranded  at  the 
head  of  the  harbor;  the  great  ocean  tow-boats 
had  guided  drifting  ships  to  the  cove  at  Gifford's 
navy  yard ;  and  the  Bethel  on  the  margin  of  the 
sea,  and  the  Marine  Hospital  upon  the  hillside, 
had  succored  many  injured  and  half -drowned 
sailors.  There  was  activity  and  joy  in  the 
harbor  now,  because  the  U.  S.  Signal  Station 
had  replaced  its  gloomy  storm  flags  by  the 
cheerful  white  fair-weather  signal. 

The  northeaster  had  blown  itself  out ;  the 
wind  had  hauled  around  to  the  southeast  in 
a  rain  squall,  and  then  into  the  southwest  and 
cleared  the  clouds  away,  and  the  Susie  D.  was 
carrying  water  and  provisions  to  the  fleet. 


CHAPTER   IV. 

Delano  breakfasted  at  9  o'clock  and  found 
most  of  his  friends  at  the  table.  They  gathered 
upon  the  piazza  afterwards,  discussed  the  storm, 
and  he  related  the  dire  results  of  the  hurricane 
in  the  Haven.  Inland  storms  are  generally  so 
harmless,  they  could  hardly  realize  that,  while 
they  slept,  ships  had  been  sunk,  sailors  swallowed 
up  by  the  sea,  and  the  shore  covered  with  wrecks 
and  wreckage.  Landsmen  little  know  that  strong 
winds  on  land  are  gales  at  sea,  which  cause 
disaster  and  death. 

"  You  kept  vigil  late  last  night,  Mr.  Delano,  " 
said  Gabrielle  looking  at  him  critically. 

"  Yes ;  I  was  fascinated  by  the  storm,  and 
the  captain  came  into  my  room  and  told  stories. 
But  how  do  you  know  we  were  up  late  ?  "  and  he 
looked  at  her  in  surprise. 

"  I  saw  the  light  in  your  window  and  your 
shadow  after  you  drew  the  shade.  I,  too,  watched 
the  beautiful  pictures  when  the  lightning  rolled 
the  black  curtain  of  night  away,  and  listened 
to  the  whistle  and  roar  of  the  gale  about  the 
hotel,"  said  she  frankly. 


THE    SEA    LETTER  39 

"  The  wind  blew  sixty  miles  an  hour  around 
my  corner  and  a  blind  was  torn  from  my  window," 
added  Thompson. 

"  You  should  not  be  so  high  and  mighty,  sir. 
The  nearer  the  roof,  the  nearer  the  lightning/ 
father  says,"  cautioned  Laura,  and  her  brown  eyes 
sparkled  with  merriment. 

"  I  might  add,  the  lighter  the  purse,  the 
longer  the  stairs  ;  but  I  could  not  help  it.  It  was 
an  eagle's  eyrie  or  the  top  of  a  billiard  table,  and 
I  mounted,"  retorted  Thompson  quickly. 

"  Are  not  those  vessels  ashore  ?"  asked  Atkins 
of  Delano. 

"  Certainly.  See  the  wrecks  along  the  Beach 
road,  ladies.  Those  vessels  were  driven  up  the 
harbor  by  the  gale  and  are  resting  upon  the 
bottom,  more  or  less  injured  and  leaking.  Small 
boats  were  smashed,  sail-boats  sunk,  and  a 
great  deal  of  damage  done  along  the  shore." 

Great  excitement  arose  ;  many  procured  glas- 
ses and  inspected  the  wrecks  ;  others  started  away 
on  foot  and  awheel  to  view  the  havoc,  and  Delano 
described  all  he  had  seen  during  the  morning 
ramble. 

"  Was  anybody  drowned  ? "  asked  Mrs. 
Conant  anxiously. 

"  I  believe  not,  but  the  Bethel  and  Hospital 
are  full  of  injured  and  half  drowned  sailors," 
answered  Delano. 


40  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"  How  pitiful !  We  must  go  over  and  offer 
our  services,  Mrs.  Palmer." 

"  It  is  not  necessary.  All  the  village  is 
on  duty  and  the  contributions  are  ample.  I  was 
there  this  morning." 

"  Red  tape  is  responsible.  The  govern- 
ment should  have  built  a  breakwater  here  long 
ago  !  "  declared  the  Lieutenant. 

"This  isn't  anything  compared  with  the 
November  '98  disaster,  nay  tragedy,"  broke  in 
Etheridge,  who  had  just  dropped  off  his  wheel 
after  a  spin  along  the  Beach  road.  "  Then  twenty- 
seven  vessels  were  battered  and  blown  upon 
the  shore,  and  a  dozen  good  sailors  were  frozen  or 
drowned." 

"  It  was  terrible — terrible.  How  bravely 
those  five  life-savers  worked,  though  only  volun- 
teers !  I  read  all  about  it,"  said  Mrs.  Conant, 
who  was  always  interested  in  the  island  news. 

"  Yes ;  each  man  received  a  gold  medal  from 
the  State  and  one  from  the  Government.  It  was 
the  storm  in  which  the  Portland  foundered,  and 
the  most  severe  that  ever  occurred,"  continued 
Etheridge. 

"  What  a  lot  of  vessels  there  are  parading  up 
and  down  the  Sound  this  morning,"  exclaimed 
Flossie. 

"  Yes  ;  thirty  or  forty  thousand  pass  here 
every  year,  more  than  any  place  except  the  Straits 
of  Dover.  They  take  advantage  of  the  tide. 


THE    SEA    LETTER  41 

Even  in  strong  breezes,  vessels  gain  little  bucking 
against  it,  and  anchor  and  wait  until  it  turns  to 
favor  them,"  explained  Mac. 

"  Why  do  so  many  sea  captains  make  their 
homes  upon  this  island  ?  There  are  more  captains 
here  than  colonels  in  Kentucky,"  said  Victoria,  and 
she  looked  inquiringly  around  the  group. 

Lieutenant  Ferguson  declared,  "It  is  be- 
cause clams,  quahaugs,  lobsters  and  other  fish  are 
abundant,  and  one  can  enjoy  many  of  the  pleasures 
of  the  sea  and  live  on  dry  land." 

Helen  started  everybody  laughing  by  saying, 
"  It  is  because  they  wish  to,  and  their  wives  are 
willing." 

"  Miss  Purdy,  come  out  and  see  the  blue-fish 
down  at  the  wharf  !"  called  Wilson  excitedly  from 
the  steps.  "A  boat  has  arrived  from  a  fishing 
trip  around  Cape  Poge." 

Helen  excused  herself  and  hastened  away 
to  view,  in  a  flat  skiff,  a  lot  of  peerless  blue-fish 
which  had  been  taken  out  of  a  cat-boat,  now 
anchored  off. 

"  Where  were  they  caught  ? "  she  asked. 

"  In  the  rips  of  the  Wasque  and  Muskeget," 
said  the  sturdy  fisherman. 

"What  other  fish  do  you  catch  around  the 
island  ?" 

"  Flounders,  scuppog,  rock-bass,  smelt, 
mackerel,  hake,  cod,  bonita  and  sword-fish," 
answered  he  promptly. 


42  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"  Thank  you  ;  that  is  variety  enough  to  suit 
anyone,"  she  remarked  cheerfully. 

"  Helen  is  a  sensible  girl,  and  I  hope  she 
will  get  a  good  husband,"  observed  Mrs.  Conant  to 
Mrs.  Ward  on  the  piazza. 

"  Yes ;  Mr.  Wilson  seems  to  like  her  very 
well." 

"  I  wish  Laura  was  as  sensible  and  sedate." 

"  Nonsense  !  Laura  is  all  right,  only  full  of 
vivacity.  I  do  not  worry  about  Mabel's  future." 

"  Wait  until  she  comes  out  and  you'll  have 
your  troubles." 

"  If  our  girls  do  as  well  as  their  mothers,  all 
will  be  well.  I  am  sure  we  got  very  good  men." 

"  Our  girls"  —  Mrs.  Conant  hesitated  —  "  the 
girls  do  not  have  such  opportunities  as  we  had." 

"  Pshaw  !  There  are  plenty  of  good  men,  but 
they  are  not  all  established  in  business  or  wealthy. 
We  have  become  cautious  and  conservative 
through  experience." 

"There  is  such  a  host  of  professional  men 
struggling  against  the  current,  who  cannot  marry 
until  late  unless  they  are  helped  by  father  or  get 
a  rich  wife." 

"  Fear  of  poverty  keeps  too  many  young  people 
apart.  I  think  a  good  diploma  and  degree  are  an 
offset  to  any  girl's  dot.  Rich  girls  should  marry 
poor  men,  and  rich  men,  poor  girls,  and  thus 
equalize  conditions  and  promote  happiness.  Riches 
have  wings,  and  life  is  uncertain  and  mysterious." 


THE    SEA  LETTER  43 

"  What  a  socialist !  You'll  not  have  Mabel 
long  at  home." 

"  Mr.  Ward  says,  '  there  isn't  so  much  profit 
in  hams  as  when  he  began  business,'  but  Robbie 
prefers  business  to  a  profession.  He  declares, 
'the  hospitals  and  fool  doctors  are  treating  the 
people  for  nothing ;  the  lawyers  are  obliged  to 
turn  to  politics  for  a  living  ;  the  ministers  preach 
f o  women  and  empty  pews  ;  the  engineers  struggle 
five  years  for  positions,  and  the  newspaper  men 
are  worked  to  death ; '  therefore,  he  is  going  to 
stick  to  smoked  hams,  and  have  time  outside 
business  hours  to  play." 

"  Ha,  ha,  ha !  Robbie  is  quite  a  philosopher." 

Mrs.  Conant  and  Mrs.  Ward  had  put  their 
heads  together,  but  Robert  and  Laura  had  met 
without  interesting  each  other.  Mrs.  Conant 
admired  Delano.  She  had  known  his  family  since 
childhood.  His  father  had  kept  store  in  the  Penn- 
sylvania town  where  she  had  been  to  boarding 
school. 

Tom  was  a  medium  sized,  well  developed 
fellow,  with  regular  features,  and  eyes,  mustache 
and  hair  of  three  shades  of  brown.  He  had  not 
been  born  "with  a  silver  spoon  in  his  mouth,"  but 
he  had  taken  "  the  wooden  spoon,"  as  the  most 
popular  man  of  his  class  in  the  University.  He 
had  abrogated  the  usual  "bowl  fight"  by  filling  it 
with  punch  and  having  the  classes  drink  around 
it  in  brotherly  love,  and  they  voted  to  give  him  the 


44  THE    SEA    LETTER 

empty  bowl  to  go  with  the  spoon.  He  left 
college  with  a  knowledge  of  athletics,  and  a  little 
all-round  education,  and  had  worked  up  to  a  junior 
partnership  in  a  cotton  firm  in  New  York.  His 
parents  had  died  and  left  him  something,  and  he 
had  a  reasonable  income  for  a  bachelor.  He 
had  joined  some  friends  in  a  tally-ho  and  a  club 
stable,  and  generally  took  a  month's  vacation. 
John  Thompson  was  a  different  type  of  man, 
but  his  devoted  friend.  He  was  tall  and  slender, 
with  a  large  forehead,  blue  eyes  and  yellow 
mustache  and  hair.  He  was  not  athletic, 
because  he  had  been  very  studious  in  college, 
and  taken  the  chair  of  Biology  in  his  alma  mater 
after  graduation.  His  long  nose,  precise  diction 
and  suave  manners  increased  his  natural  dignity 
and  impressive  personality.  His  father  had  been 
professor  of  Greek  in  the  college — it  is  remarkable 
how  successive  generations  of  a  family  cling  to 
college  chairs  like  lichens  to  weather  beaten 
stones — had  died  at  sixty-eight,  and  his  much 
younger  mother  had  married  again  and  moved 
out  West.  John  liked  study  and  scientific 
discussion,  and  tried  to  keep  up  in  all  the 
sciences,  but  he  was  fond  of  society  and  a  good 
dinner,  and  took  a  long  vacation  every  summer 
to  compensate  for  his  abstemious  and  ascetic 
life  during  the  winter  semi-semesters.  His  income 
was  handled  with  discretion  and  was  ample  for 
a  gentleman  of  his  habits. 


THE    SEA    LETTER  45 

"  Laura  and  I  have  been  planning  a  bicycle 
trip  out  the  road  to  Lake  Chappaquonsett  and 
Tashmoo  Springs  after  dinner,  Mr.  Thompson, 
and  we  should  like  to  have  you  join  the  party," 
said  Gabrielle  with  animation 

"  Thank  you,  I  accept  your  invitation  with 
pleasure." 

"  You  can  get  wheels  at  the  Cycle  D^pot," 
said  Laura. 

"  Thanks,  again.  Delano  and  McFarlane  are 
going,  I  suppose  ? "  inquired  he. 

"  Yes  ;  you'll  see  them  at  the  meet  in  front  of 
the  hotel  at  3  o'clock." 

"  May  I  ride  with  you,  Miss  Laura  ? "  He 
did  not  dare  ask  Gabrielle. 

"  Yes,  — if  you  are  a  good  rider." 

"  You  shall  see." 

They  separated  laughing,  and  the  gentlemen 
of  the  party  went  together  to  the  store  and 
selected  their  wheels. 

The  cyclers  rode  two  abreast  along  the  Beach 
road  and  inspected  the  wrecked  vessels.  Then 
they  pedaled  slowly  up  the  hill  into  a  delightful 
country  of  fields  and  forest,  where  they 
looked  down  upon  charming  pictures  of  land  and 
sea.  They  rode  with  the  careless  abandon,  toes 
just  touching  the  pedals  and  hands  off  the 
handle-bars,  which  results  from  much  practice. 
They  stopped  occasionally  to  rest  by  the  way- 
side, to  tie  a  shoe,  or  adjust  a  saddle  or  skirt. 


46  THE    SEA    LETTER 

Delano  and  Gabrielle  led ;  Thompson  and  Laura 
came  next  to  them,  and  behind  these  were  the 
other  couples.  All  rode  rapidly,  talking  and 
laughing  ;  now  calling  attention  to  some  object  of 
interest ;  now  quiet  and  confidential ;  flying  over 
the  smooth  road,  as  the  meadow  larks  dart  over 
the  marshes. 

Gabrielle  wore  a  blue  Tarn  O'  Shanter,  with 
raven's  wing;  a  silk  waist  with  stripes  of  blue 
and  gold ;  a  blue  covert-cloth,  divided  skirt ; 
leather  belt  with  silver  buckle  and  chatelaine 
ornaments ;  bronze  kid  boots,  and  dogskin  gloves. 
Her  golden  tresses,  twisted  in  a  Psyche  knot,  held 
shell  side-combs  and  a  silver  hat-pin.  Her  face 
was  reddened  and  roughened  from  exposure  to  sun 
and  wind,  and  she  held  her  head  down  in  propelling 
her  wheel,  which  gave  a  coquettish  expression 
when  she  glanced  sideways  at  Delano. 

Did  she  know  of  her  beauty  and  grace  that 
afternoon  ?  Of  course  she  did,  and  she  noticed 
her  companion  did  also,  by  his  lingering  glances 
and  devoted  attention.  Their  conversation  was 
about  impersonal  matters,  such  as  two  congenial 
friends  would  have  when  free  from  the  embarrass- 
ment of  love-making. 

Laura  was  different  from  Gabrielle.  She 
was  the  same  height,  but  not  so  fully  developed. 
Her  girlish  slenderness  and  agile  movements 
indicated  the  period  preceding  perfected  woman- 
hood. Her  head  was  fine  though  small ;  the  hair 


THE    SEA    LETTER  47 

and  eyes  were  brown-black ;  and  a  dimpled  chin, 
and  a  Grecian  nose  —  a  little  better  than  a  pug  — 
with  a  saucy  upturn  at  the  end,  were  the  only 
deviations  from  regular  features.  Her  long 
braid  finished  in  a  crimson  ribbon ;  her  slender 
neck  rested  in  a  frill  of  silver  lace,  and  her  dark 
eyes  with  a  brown  shade  beneath  appeared  ready 
to  sparkle  with  merriment  or  weep  at  suffering. 
Her  languishing  glances  disturbed  the  self- 
possession  of  young  men  and  warmed  the  hearts 
of  elderly  ones. 

Men  declared  she  was  charming  and 
unconventional ;  women  confessed  she  was  pretty 
and  frivolous.  She  made  friends  rapidly  and 
hypnotized  all  the  animals.  She  looked  very 
chic  in  her  blue  Norfolk  jacket ;  gray-mixed, 
cloth  skirt ;  brown  leather-belt  and  gaiters  ;  brown 
chip  hat  with  crimson  feathers,  and  her  dark 
braid  reaching  to  her  waist. 

The  riders  were  now  upon  the  fine  macada- 
mized road  that  extends  from  Katama  to  Tisbury, 
which,  with  the  miles  of  asphalt  streets  in  the 
settlements,  and  the  good  shell-road  to  West 
Chop,  offer  forty  miles  for  cycling  and  driving. 
Many  other  roads  run  over  the  island,  cut  through 
the  turf  ;  sandy,  gravelly  channels,  where  a  horse 
churns  and  stumbles,  and  the  wheels  throw  up 
clouds  of  dust  and  sand. 

As  they  left  the  blue  water  and  sea  breeze 
behind  them,  and  rode  through  the  forest,  they 


48  THE    SEA    LETTER 

caught  the  delicious  odors  of  pine  needles, 
musky  leaves  and  forest  flowers,  and  Gabrielle 
exclaimed,  "  What  a  delightful  change !  What 
crooked  trees  !  What  made  them  take  such  fan- 
tastic shapes  ? " 

"  They  are  seats  for  fairies,  who  sit  along 
the  road  and  watch  the  lovers  who  come  out  from 
town,"  answered  Flossie,  the  most  romantic  one  of 
the  party. 

"  Stuff  !  "  called  Sanders,  "  Fine  seats  for 
such  delicate  creatures !  They  would  prefer  a 
branch  among  the  blossoms  of  a  honey-locust." 
"  '  Just  as  the  twig  is  bent,  the  tree  inclines,'  " 
quoted  Mac,  the  botanist.  "These  trees  were 
bent  and  broken  in  their  youth  to  form  a 
plumb  of  three  feet,  a  level  of  three  feet  and  a 
square  turn  upwards  in  the  original  direction. 
See  how  crooked  a  living  thing  may  grow  and 
yet  survive.  They  have  served  as  a  boundary 
to  the  land  and  road,  and  as  a  rude  fence, 
aided  often  by  rails  or  wires." 

"  Your  explanation  is  comprehensive  and 
scientific,"  said  Atkins. 

"  Rail  fences  are  the  rule  here  and  gates  an 
abomination.  A  Harvard  professor  has  to  open 
seven  gates  to  get  home,  and  has  named  his  place 
'  Seven  Gates,'  "  continued  Mac  ;  "  and  when  the 
Harvard  Geological  Corps  camps  near  by  every 
summer,  they  spend  half  their  vacation  opening 
gates  and  growling." 


THE    SEA    LETTER 


49 


Everybody  laughed,  and  then  Delano  led  up 
to  a  gate  and  called,  "  Here  is  one  of  them  now  !" 

The  gate  was  opened  ;  they  descended  a  road 
to  a  grove  of  oaks  and  left  the  wheels,  and  walked 
to  the  Pumping  Station  upon  the  bank  of  Lake 
Chappaquonsett.  They  stood  entranced  by  its 
beauties.  The  sun  painted  its  mimic  waves  in 
silver  and  gave  shadow  pictures  of  banks  and  trees  ; 
sunbeams  penetrated  the  forest  upon  the  points ; 
gulls  swam  lazily  around,  and  boats  dotted  the 
North  end  near  the  little  fishing-huts  at  Herring 
Creek.  Beyond  was  the  broad  Sound  and  its 
many  sails.  They  saw  the  pellucid  Tashmoo 
Springs,  drank  of  the  cool  fountain,  examined  the 
machinery  of  the  Station,  read  the  analysis  of  the 
extra  pure  water,  heard  the  explanations  of  the 
courteous  engineer -in -charge,  and  listened  to  the 
"  Legend  of  Tashmoo  "  recited  by  Gabrielle. 

"  Pohoganot  was  the  mighty  sachem  of  the 
tribe  Squipnocket.  The  wigwams  were  clustered 
around  the  lakes  of  the  western  end  of  the  island ; 
the  old  chief  dwelt  upon  the  shore  of  Squipnocket 
Lake,  and  his  followers  cultivated  the  fertile  land 
that  lies  between  it  and  Gay  Head,  which  in  later 
years  was  set  apart  by  the  State  as  an  Indian 
Reservation.  Yet,  his  dominion  extended  far  to 
the  east,  and  his  tribesmen  fished,  hunted,  gath- 
ered wild  fruits  and  roots,  and  grew  corn,  rye  and 
vegetables  over  half  the  island.  The  Indian 
trails  have  widened  into  roads  and  lead  with 


50  THE    SEA    LETTER 

unerring  accuracy  to  favorite  places  upon  the 
shore,  to  shell-mounds  and  high  hills,  to  fishing 
points  around  the  lakes,  and  to  hamlets  here  and 
there.  Dusky  descendants  of  the  Squipnockets 
live  now  upon  some  of  the  farms  near  Gay  Head  and 
follow  the  same  pursuits  as  their  ancestors. 

"  Pohoganot  had  instructed  his  son,  Tash- 
moo,  a  young  buck  of  great  power  and  skill, 
in  tribal  government ;  and  ordered  him  away  to 
the  east  to  find  a  suitable  region  for  settlement, 
in  order  to  locate  and  establish  his  own  kingdom. 

"  His  mother,  Queen  Campeeche,  a  woman 
gifted  with  spiritual  prophetic  vision,  told  him  he 
would  come  to  a  large  lake  full  of  fish,  with  a 
narrow  river  connecting  it  with  the  great  ocean ; 
surrounded  by  a  beautiful  country  of  valleys  and 
hills,  covered  by  a  dense  forest  containing 
game  and  singing-birds,  and  find  springs  of  pure 
water  to  mark  his  journey's  end.  She  gave 
him  a  snow-white  shell,  bade  him  drink  of  the 
delicious  water,  give  his  name  to  the  gushing 
fountain,  build  there  his  wigwams  and  establish 
his  tribe,  and  peace  and  plenty  should  crown  his 
reign. 

"  Away  and  across  the  tedious  plains,  Tash- 
moo  and  his  followers  went  by  well  worn  trails; 
plunged  into  the  dense  forests ;  crept  stealthily 
up  ravines  and  sped  along  by  the  Red  Hill  route, 
over  the  Stepping  Stones  and  by  the  lodge  of 
Acbtequay,  where  the  beauties  of  Chappaquon- 


THE    SEA    LETTER  51 

sett  burst  upon  them,  and  the  murmur*  and 
mystery  of  the  virgin  forest  filled  them  with 
exultation. 

Onward  they  scouted  along  the  shores,  across 
the  points,  over  the  ridges,  into  morasses,  upon 
fallen  trees  and  through  dense  thickets,  until 
Tashmoo,  ever  in  the  lead,  stumbled  and  fell  upon 
the  meadow  and,  plunging  his  hand  into  a  bub- 
bling pool,  tasted  the  water  and  found  it  cool 
and  unsalted.  Then  he  knelt  upon  the  green- 
sward, took  the  mother's  white  shell  from  his 
girdle,  filled  it  with  the  sweet  water  and  drank 
deeply,  and,  appealing  to  his  Indian  gods  to  bless 
him  and  his  followers,  named  the  gushing  waters 
Tashmoo  Springs. 

"  Then,  facing  the  lake,  he  swept  his  arm 
around  the  horizon  and  said, '  Here  we  will  build  our 
wigwams  and  establish  our  tribe,  and  the  daughter 
of  Acbtequay,  whose  tiny  moccasins  have  left  her 
foot-prints  with  those  of  the  nimble  deer  upon  the 
shores  shall  be  the  bride  of  Tashmoo  and  your 
Queen. 

" '  Upon  the  Point  of  Pines  jutting  into  the 
silvery  lake,  we  will  build  our  lodge  opposite  to 
Acbtequay,  who  dwells  towards  the  sunset  upon 
the  Point  of  Shadows,  and,  though  the  lake  will 
separate  parents  and  child,  our  canoes  will  glide 
swiftly  over  when  love  holds  the  paddle.' 

"  Here  Tashmoo  and  Juanita  lived  and  loved, 


52  THE    SEA    LETTER 

and  established  a  kingdom ;  and  relics  of  them 
may  still  be  found  upon  the  hillside." 

They  applauded  Gabrielle  for  the  interesting 
story ;  went  up  the  hill  and  out  the  gate  that 
Tashmoo  never  saw,  and  rode  past  the  green 
fields  of  the  water-shed  used  by  the  West  Chop 
Golf  Club,  via  Lambert's  Cove  to  Mackonnoky  Inn. 

"  Where  there  are  woods,  green  fields,  blue 
water  and  shining  sails  a  seaside  resort  ought 
to  be  attractive.  Why  has  the  namesake  of 
Necumkney  Cape  been  abandoned  to  wood- 
peckers and  spiders  ?"asked  Victoria. 

"  It  is  too  distant  from  beefsteak  and  news- 
papers," answered  Sanders.  "  When  on  vacation, 
we  must  have  the  best  of  the  market,  and  our 
brains  must  be  kept  from  '  innocuous  desuetude.'  " 

"  Here  you  should  be  less  indulgent,  less 
studious.  Unbend  the  bow  and  welcome  the 
stupor  of  country  life,"  advised  Thompson. 

"  Yes ;  diet  on  fish,  sleep  half  the  time, 
and  re-create.  Recreation  has  lost  its  hyphen 
and  its  true  meaning,"  added  Mac. 

"  I  thought  you  Scotchmen  believed  in  oat- 
meal ? "  said  Atkins. 

"They  changed  to  beef  after  the  battle  of 
Culloden,"  said  Delano  sarcastically. 

It  was  sad  to  contemplate  a  dozen  cottages 
and  a  handsome  hotel  left  tenantless  and  deso- 
late, lacking  pleasant  faces  in  the  windows  and 


THE    SEA  LETTER  53 

children    upon     the     lawns,  and     the    conditions 
recalled  Tennyson's  Deserted  House : 

"All  within  is  dark  as  night ; 
In  the  windows  is  no  light, 
And  no  murmur  at  the  door, 
So  frequent  on  its  hinge  before. 
Come  away :  no  more  of  mirth 
Is  here,  or  merry  making  sound." 

The  way  back  led  among  copses  of  pine 
and  oak,  by  a  school-house  and  cranberry  bogs, 
through  open  woodlands  and  farms  to  the  State 
road,  and  the  friends  wheeled  up  to  the  hotel  in 
time  for  a  late  supper. 


CHAPTER  V. 


The  coach-and-four  was  brought  around  to 
the  hotel  entrance  one  evening  and  Delano  inspec- 
ted the  outfit  while  he  smoked  his  cigar.  The 
horses  pranced  around  lively,  for  they  had  not 
been  out  much  and  were  really  suffering  for  want 
of  exercise.  A  party  had  been  invited  to  go  upon 
a  moonlight  ride  to  the  South  Beach. 

"  Have  you  looked  at  their  shoes,  Jack  ?" 
asked  Delano  of  his  man. 

"  Yes,  sir  ;  all  solid." 

"  I  see  the  cut  on  Juno's  off  fetlock  has 
healed  up." 

"  Yes  sir  ;  nuthin   but  the  crust  left." 

"  Ease  up  those  checks  on  the  pole-horses  — 
they  are  a  little  too  tight  for  country  travelling." 

"  Yes  sir,  as  you  please." 

"  Rub  that  spot  off  the  hames  —  so — that's 
better ;  take  the  twist  out  of  the  off  leader's  inside 
rein,  you  rascal." 

"  Yes,  massa ;  dat  horse  must  'ev  turned  his 
head." 


THE    SEA    LETTER  55 

"  Have  you  looked  at  all  the  bolts  and 
springs  ?" 

"  I  reckon  I  has,  sir ;  Jolly's  right  smart 
peart  dis  ebenin." 

"  Did  you  stow  those  things  in  the  hamper 
and  clean  inside  thoroughly  ?" 

"  Yes  sir  ;  I  don't  need  to  be  told  that." 

"  Very  well,  Jack,  now  mind ;  stand  by  the 
leaders  until  I  get  all  aboard  and  have  the  reins 
well  in  hand,  then  get  up  to  your  place  and  blow 
the  horn  as  usual." 

"  All  right,  sir." 

The  friends  were  in  a  group  upon  the  piazza 
to  keep  out  of  the  crowd,  which  surrounded 
the  coach  looking  at  the  horses  and  outfit. 
Delano  went  to  them  and  said,  "  I  have  numbered 
the  seats  odd  and  even  up  to  twelve  —  there  are 
eight  outside  seats  and  four  inside  —  Gentlemen 
draw  the  odd  numbers  and  ladies  the  even 
ones  :  I  take  number  one,  as  I  am  to  drive.  Now 
draw,"  and  he  held  out  each  hand  with  numbered 
cards.  They  all  drew  numbers.  "Come  down  to 
the  coach,  as  everything  is  ready "  said  Delano, 
and  he  called  out  the  numbers :  "  1 1  and  1 2, 
inside  front  seat ;  9  and  10,  inside  backseat;  7 
and  8,  outside  back  seat ;  5  and  6,  outside  middle 
seat ;  3  and  4,  outside  front  seat,  and  2  on  the 
box  to  my  left  hand." 

The  gentlemen  helped  the  ladies  and  all 
took  their  places  as  designated.  The  arrange- 


56  THE    SEA    LETTER 

ment  was  very  much  to  the  satisfaction  of 
most  of  the  party.  Delano  had  Laura  to  his 
left ;  Thompson  and  Gabrielle  were  just  behind ; 
then  came  Atkins  and  Victoria,  and  McFarlane 
and  Florence.  Inside  front,  sat  Sanders  and 
May,  and  back,  Dr.  Kenelm  and  Miss  Margaret 
Dale. 

The  presence  of  the  last  couple  was  a 
satisfaction  to  the  mothers  of  the  young  ladies, 
who  could  not  go  along  as  chaperons ;  and  it  was 
very  agreeable  to  the  friends,  because  the  doctor 
and  Margaret  were  very  sensible  and  pleasant 
companions.  Fortunately  for  them,  the  other 
members  of  Delano's  party  had  gone  "  up  island  " 
to  the  lakes  after  perch  and  pickerel,  which 
were  plentiful  in  the  numerous  fresh  water  ponds 
to  the  westward,  and  thus  vacancies  were  made. 

Delano  gathered  up  the  reins  carefully 
and  held  the  whip,  and  Jack  climbed  up  behind 
and  seized  his  horn.  "  All  ready  ? "  asked 
Delano. 

"  Yes,  all  ready,"  answered  several.  He 
swung  the  leaders,  said,  "  Now  Juno,  now  Jolly, 
now  Peter,  now  Paul,  show  your  paces,"  cracked 
the  whip,  and  away  they  went  rolling  along  the 
avenue,  as  Jack  blew  the  horn,  and  the  people 
waved  hands,  handkerchiefs  and  hats. 

The  streets  were  bright  with  the  light  of 
the  full  moon  that  hung  well  up  in  the  cloud- 
less sky,  though  here  and  there  were  shadows 


THE    SEA    LETTER  57 

of  trees  and  houses.  The  piazzas  of  the 
dwellings  were  loaded  with  happy  people,  dressed 
in  the  light,  bright-colored  fabrics  of  summer. 
They  were  swinging  in  hammocks  ;  reclining  upon 
steps  or  in  easy  chairs,  or  sitting  and  rocking 
lazily.  The  great  double  doors  in  the  middle  of 
the  fronts  of  many  of  the  typical  camp-ground 
cottages,  which  opened  into  the  parlor,  without 
any  vestibule,  stood  wide  open,  and  the  rooms, 
filled  with  soft  light  from  lamps  covered  with 
colored  shades,  revealed  their  entire  furnishings, 
and  the  families  and  friends  to  the  passer-by. 
Here  were  bright  girls  at  their  embroidery, 
their  books  or  the  piano ;  mothers  with  romping 
children ;  fathers  with  evening  letters  and 
papers,  and  groups  around  tables,  playing  cards, 
chess  and  other  games. 

To  a  stranger  this  free  display  of  sacred  inner 
life  and  love,  seen  for  the  first  time,  seemed  like  a 
vision  from  fairy  land ;  and  to  one  accustomed 
to  the  illuminated,  open  cottages,  successors  of 
the  canvas  A  tents  with  open  fly,  it  made  the 
evening  stroll  a  panorama  of  delightful  pictures. 
Here  was  heard  the  hum  of  conversation  above 
the  clatter  of  horses'  hoofs  and  the  grind  of 
carriage  wheels ;  there,  sweet  ballads  of  the 
times  and  hymns  of  praise,  the  quick  tones  of  the 
piano,  and  the  dragging  rhythm  of  the  organ  ; 
again,  the  call  of  a  parent,  the  correction  of  a 
servant,  the  babble  and  cries  of  children,  the 


58  THE    SEA    LETTER 

screams  of  a  parrot,  cat  snarls,  whistling,  laughter, 
barking  of  dogs,  and  tinkling  of  bicycle  bells. 
These  sights  and  sounds  astonished  many  of  the 
party,  who  had  never  visited  the  place  before,  and 
awakened  comments  and  lively  conversation. 

The  beautiful  horses,  gold-mounted  har- 
nesses, old  gold  and  red  coach,  skilful  driver,  liveried 
Jack  with  his  musical  horn,  and  the  stylish,  happy 
party,  attracted  much  attention,  and  caused  rushes 
to  doors,  perceptible  commotions  upon  piazzas^ 
scampering  of  children,  and  scuttling  of  dogs  out 
of  the  way,  as  Delano  drove  rapidly  over  the 
Highlands,  past  the  twin-lakes,  through  the 
camp-ground  and  old  Oak  Bluffs  and  along  the 
borders  of  the  sea,  southward. 

The  inside  passengers  were  partly  outside 
through  the  windows  half  the  time,  exchanging 
jokes  and  keeping  up  a  running  conversation  with 
those  above  them.  Ripples  of  laughter  were 
frequent  as  the  near-by  babble  of  the  surf  upon 
the  sand,  and  it  was  certain  all  enjoyed  the  unique 
experience  immensely. 

The  red  lights  of  West  Chop  and  East  Chop 
and  the  flicker  of  Nobska  across  the  Sound  had 
been  seen  and  commented  upon,  as  they  rode  over 
the  Highlands.  The  white  lights  of  Cape  Poge 
and  Edgartown  were  visible  across  the  water  to  the 
eastward,  and  upon  the  glassy  sea,  were  vessels 
with  white  sails  shining  in  the  moonlight  and 
hanging  motionless  except  for  the  slight  move- 


THE    SEA    LETTER  59 

ments  caused  by  the  ground  swell.  The  Cottage 
City  Golf  Club  house  and  extensive  grounds  lay 
on  the  right  hand. 

"  The  Goddess  of  Love  shines  upon  us  in  the 
West  —  there  is  Venus,"  remarked  Atkins. 

"  Well,  we  all  love  each  other,  don't  we  girls  ? " 
asserted  rather  than  asked  Thompson,  laughing. 

No  answer  except  suppressed  giggles,  and 
the  girls  looked  at  each  other  until  at  last  Vic. 
broke  the  awful  silence  by  saying,  "We  may 
possibly  like  each  other,  but  as  for  love,  that  is 
entirely  a  different  matter." 

The  coach  rolled  onwards,  with  the  surf 
and  sand  dunes  on  the  left  hand,  and  Lake  Senge- 
kontacket,  where  moonbeams  were  quivering,  on 
the  right,  and  rumbled  across  the  bridge  over  the 
inlet  towards  the  south. 

"  Those  little  houses  by  the  water's  edge 
are  gunning  camps.  There  are  some  goose  and 
duck  shooting  on  the  lakes  and  South  shore,  and 
many  good  fellows  belong  to  the  clubs,"  remarked 
Mac. 

"  Yes,  and  quail  and  rabbit  shooting  inland," 
added  Atkins. 

"  Well,  I  should  like  to  see  game  somewhere. 
I've  carried  a  gun  all  over  the  South  and  never 
could  fill  a  game-bag.  One  must  go  back  miles 
from  the  railroad  even  in  Montana,  to  find  any- 
thing to  shoot  better  than  a  train-robber," 


60  THE    SEA    LETTER 

They  were  now  approaching  Edgartown  and 
Atkins  pointed  to  some  great  white  buildings  and 
said,  "  Those  houses  were  built  with  whale  oil. 
The  inhabitants  used  to  fit  out  many  whaling  ves- 
sels, and  they  brought  back  wealth  from  the  five 
oceans.  The  men  were  much  of  the  time  at  sea  ; 
some  returned,  some  did  not.  '  There  she  blows,' 
and  'Give  me  your  flipper,'  were  familiar  expres- 
sions, and  captains  and  widows  were  numerous. 
They  have  all  gone  aloft  now,  and  the  moonlight 
streams  over  their  marble  stones  in  the  ceme- 
tery yonder." 

Everyone  gazed  upon  the  graves  and  May  sang 
"The  Watch  Below:" 

"  Hark !  to  the  steady  tread 
Of  the  watch  along  the  deck. 
Good  sailor  men  are  overhead 
To  guard  from  gale  and  wreck. 

"Turn  in  to  sleep  and  rest 
And  let  the  wild  winds  blow ; 
No  care  shall  vex  the  breast 
Of  the  tired  watch  below. 

"The  voyage  '11  soon  be  over, 
And  the  boatswain's  whistle  still  — 
They'll  sleep  'neath  grass  and  clover 
With  shipmates  on  the  hill." 


THE    SEA    LETTER  61 

A  feeble  applause  broke  the  solemn  silence  of 
the  night.  Laura  sighed,  and  Flossie  wiped  away 
a  tear. 

They  went  on  past  Katama,  the  roar  of  the 
breakers  increased,  the  horn  was  blown  frequently, 
the  coach  stopped  upon  the  bank  above  the  shore, 
the  riders  dismounted  and  the  horses  were  left  in 
Jack's  care. 

The  party  stood  upon  the  broad  boulevard  of 
hardened  sand  and  watched  the  great  waves  break 
and  foam  at  their  feet.  A  band  of  silvery  light 
extended  over  billows  of  inky  hue  far  towards  the 
horizon.  The  moonlight  drenched  the  whole  shore 
with  radiance,  and  cast  long  shadows  of  their  forms 
behind  them,  as  they  separated  in  couples  and  wan- 
dered along  the  sands. 

Delano  and  Laura  sauntered  up  the  beach; 
picked  up  pieces  of  seaweed,  little  shells  and  pecu- 
liar stones,  and  admired  the  stars,  the  breakers  and 
each  other.  Thompson  and  Gabrielle  hesitated  a 
moment,  and  then  followed  along  slowly  behind 
them.  Gabrielle  looked  very  charming  in  the 
moonlight,  as  one  might  imagine  Diana  herself 
would  have  appeared  had  an  artist  ever  caught 
that  mythical  personage.  She  was  observant,  quiet 
and  self-possessed,  and  conversed  with  her  com- 
panion as  she  would  have  done  in  a  drawing-room. 
She  listened  to  Thompson's  remarks  upon  Con- 
chology,  as  they  picked  up  various  specimens,  and 


62  THE    SEA    LETTER 

led  him  on  by  questions  about  their  anatomy  which 
surprised  him. 

Delano  was  amused,  as  they  wandered  nearer, 
at  their  conversation  and  the  earnest  discussion 
about  univalves  and  bivalves,  clam,  scallop  and 
whelk  shells,  which  he  and  Laura  were  glancing 
at  curiously  and  pitching  into  the  surf. 

The  surf  roared  along  the  shore  like  angry 
lions  and  was  heard  all  over  the  island. 

A  great  wreck  upon  the  beach  loomed  in  the 
west,  with  shining  sides  above  black  shadows.  The 
Surf  House  was  resplendent  with  light,  and  strains 
of  music  were  wafted  on  the  air  from  the  band 
upon  the  piazza.  It  was  a  time  for  sentiment  and 
romance,  and  Delano  took  Laura's  hand  in  his  and 
walked  far  up  the  shore.  Gabrielle  looked  after 
them  thoughtfully,  but  did  not  follow.  She  was 
neither  Laura's  guardian,  nor  his  fiancee,  and  she 
had  no  apprehension  nor  apparent  curiosity. 

"  Words  cannot  do  justice  to  this    beautiful 
scene,"  said  Delano,  as  he  swept  his  hand  around. 
"  It  is,  indeed,  very  lovely,"  said  Laura. 
"  How  lucky,  to  have  such  a  fine  evening." 
"Yes,  fortune  favors  the  brave." 
"We  are  not  so  very  brave,  are  we  ?" 
"Yes,  anyone  is  brave  who  drives  four  horses." 
"Ha!  ha!  I  never  thought  of  such  a  thing." 
"  Girls  do — they  often  think  more  than  men 
give  them  credit  for." 


THE    SEA    LETTER  63 

"Do  they?  What  were  you  thinking  of  just 
now?" 

"How  quickly  you  turned  the  horses  out  for 
that  crippled  blind  man,  who  sells  corn-bars." 

"  Why  shouldn't  I?" 

"  Of  course  you  should  ;  but  a  girl  would  have 
driven  over  him.  She  would  not  have  seen,  thought 
and  acted  quick  enough." 

"  You  malign  your  sex.  I  was  riding  a  bike 
in  circles  behind  the  monument  one  evening  just 
at  dusk,  and  a  girl  scorcher  was  coming  down  the 
hill  from  the  wharf  at  lightning  speed.  She  saw 
me  come  out  from  behind  the  monument  not  ten 
feet  away  and  right  across  her  track.  I  was  para- 
lized  and  hadn't  time  to  do  anything,  expecting  an 
awful  disaster.  Quick  as  a  flash,  she  gave  a  little 
scream,  a  twist  of  the  handlebars,  and  flew  by  me 
without  touching  wheels.  I  was  perfectly  aston- 
ished at  her  self-possession,  quick  apprehension 
and  action.  If  she  had  been  a  man  scorcher,  we 
should  both  have  been  destroyed." 

"  Oh  !  that  was  you,  was  it,  Mr.  Delano  ?  I  did 
not  know  you  in  the  dark." 

"  And  you  were  the  scorcher  ?  Gracious !  but 
you  had  nerve  —  you  saved  our  wheels,  to  say 
nothing  of  our  lives." 

"  Well,  perhaps,  we  are  smart ;  though  Madam 
Salchi  thought  I  was  not,  when  at  her  school;  the 
girls  all  got  better  marks  than  I  did." 

"  In  what  studies  ? " 


64  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"  O,  mathematics  and  German." 

"  How   did    you    get   along  in  music  and 

French?" 

"  Just  lovely  —  I  liked  them  so  much." 

"  It's  easily  explained :  it  is  a  matter  of  tem- 
perament. Your  temperament  is  better  suited  to 
these  studies,  than  to  the  abstractions  of  mathe- 
matics and  the  rude  tones  of  German." 

"  Thanks :  Gabrielle  was  brilliant  in  both 
those  hard  studies." 

"  What  of  that  ?  She  is  a  different  tempera- 
ment ;  she  is  patient  and  persistent,  and  never 
rests  until  she  conquers.  You  are  impatient  and 
easily  discouraged  over  difficulties  ;  the  musical 
notes  and  the  sweet  French  words  please  you,  and 
you  learn  them  easily." 

"  What  a  funny  notion !  you  seem  to  know  all 
about  girls," 

They  were  still  picking  up  pebbles  and  shells. 
Suddenly  Delano  stopped  and  said,  "What's 
that  ?  "  —  and  picked  up  a  bottle  —  "A  bottle  ! 
Gracious  !  some  news  from  a  sinking  ship,  possibly 
— and  a  letter  inside!" 

"  Oh  !  let  me  see  !  "  cried  Laura. 

Delano  cut  away  a  cork  covered  with  rope- 
yarns  and  tar,  and  pulled  out  a  piece  of  soiled  paper. 
They  tried  to  read  the  writing  on  it,  but  could  not, 
because  it  was  almost  defaced  by  moisture  and 
dirt. 


THE    SEA  LETTER  65 

"  We  shall  have  to  wait  until  we  get  back  to 
the  coach-lamp,"  said  he,  and  he  put  the  paper  back 
into  the  bottle,  replaced  the  damaged  cork,  and 
carried  it  under  his  arm. 

"  How  queer  we  should  find  this,"  said  Laura. 

"Providence  must  have  directed  us  this  way," 
said  he  soberly. 

"  I  hope  so."  They  walked  along  in  silence, 
then  Laura  said,  "  I  wish  you'd  talk  some." 

"  Why  ?  that's  a  queer  request." 

"  O,  you  explain  things  so  that  I  can  under- 
stand." 

"You  are  a  good  listener  and  it  is  easy  to 
talk  to  you,"  and  Delano  looked  in  her  dark  eyes 
which  sought  his  trustfully. 

"  That  is  because  I  am  only  a  girl,"  and  she 
returned  his  gaze  shyly. 

"  Only  a  girl  ?  You  will  have  to  consider  your- 
self a  woman  soon  ;  "  and  his  eyes  ran  caressingly 
over  her  beautiful  figure  and  the  long  shadow  upon 
the  sand.  "  See  what  a  tall  shadow  you  make." 

She  looked  and  replied,  "I  am  always  going 
to  remain  a  young  lady.  I  am  going  to  stay  with 
papa  and  mama." 

"  But  they  may  die  and  leave  you  alone  in  the 
world." 

"Then  I  might  "- 

"  Might  what  ? "  and  he  took  her  arm  gently 
and  looked  in  her  face. 


66  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"  Then  I  might "  —  He  suddenly  bent  for- 
ward and  kissed  her  —  "  might  love  someone  !  " 

He  could  not  resist  her  naivet6  and  beauty. 
She  looked  at  him  startled  and  exclaimed,  "  Why 
Mr.  Delano !  You  are  saucy !  You  took  my  breath 
away.  What  would  mother  say  ? " 

"  She  may  not  know  it." 

"  But  the  others  ? " 

"  No  one  noticed  it ;  we  are  so  far  away." 

"Are  you  sure  ?" 

"  Sure  !  look  back." 

"  Then  let  us  return.  How  dare  you  kiss  me 
without  permission  ?  What  is  the  use  of  chaperons 
anyhow  ?  " 

"  For  thoughtless  persons.  I  could  not  resist 
the  witchery  of  your  beauty  and  the  splendor  of 
this  moonlight." 

"  I  am  angry  at  you.  No  man  ever  kissed 
me  except  papa." 

"  I  ask  your  pardon.  I  am  proud  to  be  the 
second.  Do  not  be  angry,  please.  I  will  ask  per- 
mission next  time." 

"  You  had  better." 

They  were  walking  back  now,  but  their  forms 
and  shadows  were  so  blended  that  their  friends 
could  not  distinguish  their  movements. 

They  talked  in  monosyllables  of  insignificant 
things.  Delano  manifested  a  tender  solicitude  for 
her  footsteps  and  her  comfort.  Laura  rested  her 


THE    SEA    LETTER  67 

arm  softly  within  his,  avoided  his  glances,  and 
seemed  in  haste  to  return. 

It  was  trying  to  meet  the  gaze  of  the  other 
members  of  the  party,  who  had  remained  more  to- 
gether, and  they  did  not  escape  suspicious  glances 
and  curious  questions;  but  Delano's  self-possession 
and  good  nature  protected  them  from  too  close 
catechising,  and  they  were  both  wise  enough  to 
keep  the  moon  behind  them  and  their  faces  in 
shadow,  that  their  features  could  not  be  scanned 
closely. 

The  doctor  and  Miss  Dale,  who  had  so  scan- 
dalously neglected  their  duty,  as  self-appointed 
chaperons  usually  do,  had  been  seated  upon  the 
sand  discussing  the  proper  situation  of  a  school- 
house,  with  reference  to  the  points  of  the  com- 
pass, and  the  interior  arrangement  of  seats  and 
blackboards.  The  doctor  asked  Laura,  with  a 
twinkle  in  his  gray  eyes,  if  she  had  had  a  pleasant 
ramble. 

She  answered  quite  gaily,  "  Of  course  we  did : 
we  went  nearly  by  Mattakeset  Bay  to  where  the 
inlet  opens  into  Katama." 

"  So  I  judged,  by  your  diminutive  size  and 
lost  shadows.  What  did  you  find  interesting, 
Delano  ? " 

He  was  not  inclined  to  make  a  full  confession, 
and  answered  :  "  Some  winrows  of  sand  made  by 
the  surf ;  some  broken  timbers  of  wrecks ;  a  few 
shells  and  pebbles,  and  this  bottle,  securely  corked, 


68  THE    SEA    LETTER 

containing  a  piece  of  paper  with  writing  upon  it, 
which  we  were  not  able  to  decipher." 

"  What !  A  message  from  the  sea  ?  The  last 
words  of  drowning  men  ?  Let  me  see  it ! "  said  the 
doctor,  springing  to  his  feet. 

They  all  gathered  about  Delano  and  began  to 
question  him,  which  was  a  great  relief  to  Laura, 
because  she  saw  Gabrielle  was  regarding  her  rather 
critically,  and  she  felt  embarrassed.  She  could 
not  blame  herself.  She  had  been  taken  unawares. 
Kisses  upon  her  cheek  and  brow  from  boys  and 
girls,  and  warmer  kisses  from  kindred  and  parents, 
had  been  received,  as  she  took  a  bon-bon  or  a  hand- 
shake ;  but  this  manly  kiss  had  drawn  from  her  own 
lips  a  delicate  but  responsive  movement,  in  spite  of 
herself,  against  her  own  wish  and  will ;  surging  to 
meet  his,  as  the  tide  rises  to  the  moon.  She  did 
not  blame  Delano  very  much.  But  she  was  only  a 
girl  from  a  country  town,  where  all  the  proprieties 
were  rigidly  observed,  and  she  was  more  surprised 
than  vexed.  Thinking  thus,  and  listening  to  the 
talk  around  her,  this  innocent  bud  appeared  silent 
and  odd  to  Gabrielle,  who  wondered  if  Delano  had 
been  talking  love  to  her.  Women  are  so  quick 
usually  to  surmise  the  truth.  What  would  she 
have  thought  had  she  known  what  had  really  hap- 
pened ? 

Mac  and  Flossie  had  been  very  busy  catching 
sea-moss,  or  marine  algae,  more  beautiful  than 
words  can  describe  or  artist  paint.  Atkins  and 


THE    SEA    LETTER  69 

Victoria  had  made  a  celestial  map  upon  the  sand 
and  were  studying  it  intently.  Thompson  and 
Gabrielle  had  just  returned  from  their  wanderings, 
loaded  with  shells,  shark-eggs,  a  king-crab  and  a 
bloated  starfish;  and  Sanders  and  May  were  com- 
fortably seated  upon  the  grassy  bank,  where  they 
had  been  all  the  time,  discussing  the  folly  of  un- 
necessary exertion,  wet  feet  and  scientific  hobbies, 
when  the  doctor  startled  everybody  by  his  excite- 
ment and  actions. 

"  Let  us  go  to  the  coach-lamp,"  said  Delano. 

"  Good !  we  have  had  enough  of  the  South 
Beach  for  to-night,"  responded  Sanders. 

They  all  gathered  around  Delano  and  the 
doctor,  who  endeavored  by  the  light  of  the  coach- 
lamp  to  read  the  soiled  scrawl  found  in  the  bottle. 
Everyone  concluded  it  was  impossible,  though  it  was 
the  opinion  of  several  that  the  language  was  foreign, 
and  the  writing  would  show  plainer  after  the  paper 
had  been  dried. 

"  Put  it  back  in  the  bottle,  Delano,  and  we 
will  examine  it  under  my  microscope  when  we  get 
home,"  said  the  doctor. 

Delano  did  as  advised,  stowed  the  bottle  in 
the  boot,  and  said,  "  There  are  some  bottles  in  the 
coach  that  are  more  interesting  just  now,  —  Jack, 
get  out  the  hamper  and  open  the  ball." 

"  All  right,  sir ! "  said  Jack,  pocketing  his 
pipe  and  unlocking  the  door. 


70  THE    SEA    LETTER 

The  contents  of  the  basket  was  soon  arranged 
upon  the  ground ;  the  gentlemen  spread  lap-robes 
and  wraps ;  the  ladies  laid  a  table-cloth  and  seated 
themselves,  and  the  good  things  were  distributed 
by  Delano,  Jack  and  others.  Pop  went  the  corks. 

"  Mercy  !  Mr.  Delano,  that  just  whizzed  by  my 
face,"  said  May. 

"  Beg  pardon  !  what  will  you  have,  Tashmoo 
water,  ginger  ale  or  beer  ?" 

"Tashmoo,  of  you  please,"  said  one.  "Gin- 
ger ale  and  a  little  Tashmoo,"  said  another.  "  Gin- 
ger ale  straight."  "  Beer,"  etc.,  until  all  were  served. 

"  Ladies,  your  good  health !  "  said  the  doctor, 
courteously  tossing  his  glass. 

"  Your  good  health,  Doctor." 

"  Here's  to  the  moon,  sweet  Silene  ! " 

"  Who'll  have  some  cheese  ?  "  "  Is  it  green  ? " 
"Yes,  Roquefort."  "Try  a  sardine."  "Bah!  I 
cannot  bear  oil."  "  Take  a  cracker."  "  No,  a 
sandwich."  "  Excellent,  aren't  they  ? "  "  Fine — I 
like  the  tongue  best."  "  Girls  have  tongue  enough." 
"For  a  talker,  find  a  romantic  bachelor." 

"Oh  !  oh  !  just  hear  her." 

"  Women  can  talk,  but  they  don't  meander  on 
sentimentally  as  men  do."  observed  Gabrielle. 

"  I  think  women  have  little  sentiment,"  said 
Delano. 

"What  is  that  bright  star  overhead  ?"  asked 
Flossie. 

"Aldebaran,"  quickly  answered  Vic. 


THE    SEA    LETTER  71 

"  Good  !  you'll  learn,"  said  Atkins. 

"  Flossie,  eat  your  sandwich  —  this  is  no  time 
for  star-gazing." 

"  I  never  saw  the  stars  show  clearer,"  said 
Atkins  —  the  moon  had  plunged  into  a  dense  cloud 
that  was  rising  towards  the  zenith. 

"Flossie  is  sentimental." 

"  Such  a  night  and  such  a  picnic  ought  to 
make  us  all  so,"  observed  Thompson. 

"  Better  stick  to  your  dry-bone  studies." 

"  Look  out  May,  don't  get  that  sardine  on  my 
skirt." 

"  The  slippery  thing  seems  alive  —  I  can't 
keep  it  on  the  bread." 

"  Oh !  look  !  that  big  wave !  It  must  have  a 
mermaid  under  it." 

"  How  dark  it  looks  towards  the  southeast." 

"Of  course,  towards  Africa,  the  'Dark  conti- 
nent.'" 

"  Did  you  come  from  Africa,  Jack  ? " 

"  No,  Missus ;  I  come   frum    ole  Virginny." 

Delano  had  found  Jack,  whose  full  name  was 
Jackson  Lee,  at  Norfolk,  and  induced  him  to  come 
into  his  service  before  he  had  been  ruined  by  nor- 
thern associates. 

The  feast  and  flow  of  wit  went  on  together. 
Nothing  equals  the  air  of  Capawock  in  exciting  an 
appetite.  Sojourn ers  there  are  always  hungry, 
though  in  a  land  of  plenty.  The  hotel  men  growled 
over  the  small  profits  at  the  end  of  the  season ;  the 


72  THE    SEA    LETTER 

members  of  the  meat  syndicate  became  wealthy 
and  built  fine  houses,  and  the  grocers,  art-dealers 
and  confectioners  enlarged  their  stores,  joined 
hunting-clubs,  and  went  yachting  with  State  street 
and  Wall  street  brokers. 

"  Try  a  tart,  Miss  Dale ;  the  jelly  is  made 
from  beach-plums." 

"  Thanks ;  what  a  pretty  purple  bloom  they 
have  when  ripe." 

"  Did  you  see  the  fish  your  friends  caught, 
Delano  ?  Wilson  had  a  string  of  perch  that  reached 
from  his  chin  to  the  ground  ; "  said  Young. 

"Is  it  possible  ?  Anything  beside  perch  ?" 

"A  few  pickerel,  and  some  eels,  which  when 
split  measured  ten  inches  broad." 

"A  fish  story!" 

"  No,  honest  Injun !  I  saw  them  in  the  yard 
being  cleaned." 

"  Wish  I  had  seen  them." 

"  The  fellows  were  fishing  along  the  bank 
and  out  in  a  boat  all  day.  Came  back  tired  out, 
but  very  happy.  They  were  on  Chappaquonset 
most  of  the  time,  but  got  the  eels  near  Herring 
Creek ;  I  had  just  a  few  moments  talk  with  them, 
as  they  skipped  to  their  rooms  to  clean  up  for  sup- 
per."  ' 

"  Well,  that  was  luck  !  we  must  go  some  day, 
if  they  don't  clean  out  the  lake  before  we  get  ready. 
Sorry  they  missed  this,  though." 

"  So  am  I." 


THE    SEA    LETTER  73 

"  May  n't  we  go  fishing,  Mr.  Delano  ?  "  asked 
Laura. 

"  Perhaps  so,  if  you  will  bait  your  own  hooks." 

"  There  will  not  be  much  fishing  then,"  ob- 
served Sanders. 

"  Why  not  ? "  asked  several. 

"  I  have  noticed  when  girls  go  a  fishing  with 
fellows,  the  latter  have  to  put  on  all  the  bait  and 
unhook  all  the  fish ;  and  these  duties  and  other 
gallant  attentions  take  so  much  time,  that  they 
don't  have  a  chance  to  catch  anything  themselves. 
If  I  go,  I  shall  leave  my  fish-lines  at  home." 

"  Just  as  well,  you  mean  thing  !  "  said  Flossie 
indignantly.  You  ought  to  esteem  it  a  great  favor 
to  bait  a  lady's  hook  and  unhook  her  fish." 

"  Of  course,  if  one  goes  for  fun  simply,  or  is 
in  love  with  the  fisher-girl  but  it  is  not  fishing. 
When  I  go  fishing,  I  want  to  fish  and  catch  some- 
thing myself." 

"  Well,  go  off  by  yourself  and  be  miserable  ; 
I'm  sure  we  shall  not  care,  if  May  does'nt.  What 
do  you  say,  May  ? " 

"  I  think  Mr.  Sanders  is  right.  I  expect  we 
are  often  greater  nuisances  than  we  think,  and  the 
gentlemen  are  too  polite  to  tell  us." 

"  Of  course,  you  would  side  with  him,"  and 
Flossie  pouted. 

"Bravo!  quiet  girl,"  said  the  doctor.  "The 
gentlemen  make  themselves  so  officious  and  atten- 
tive that  the  ladies  can  hardly  turn  around  without 


74  THE    SEA    LETTER 

an  explanation.  They  cannot  have  anything  their 
way,  because,  forsooth,  Mr.  Gallant  has  planned  it 
otherwise  ;  so  they  must  smother  their  resentment, 
submit  to  being  cotbettied,  and  lose  much  of  their 
enjoyment." 

"  Then  they  ought  to  protest,"  said  Vic.  "Who 
told  you  that  Doctor?" 

"  I  have  eyes  to  see  and  ears  to  hear." 

"We  believe  ourselves  capable  of  managing 
almost  everything  that  does  not  require  profound 
knowledge  or  brute  strength,  and  we  do  not  fancy 
being  treated  like  children ; "  declared  Gabrielle 
with  spirit. 

"That  depends  upon  temperament,  I  am 
sure  many  girls  shrink  from  responsibility  and  pre- 
fer to  be  managed ;  while  a  few  like  yourself  are 
jealous  of  any  control." 

They  were  all  listening  to  this  controversy, 
and  Delano  thought  how  aptly  this  last  phrase  ap- 
plied to  two  of  the  party,  Laura  and  Gabrielle. 

•'  Such  espionage  would  be  expected  and  accep- 
ted graciously  by  the  ladies  of  Europe,  but  in  the 
United  States,  women  are  so  enthroned  in  the  affec- 
tions, they  become  queenly  in  their  exactions." 

"Did  you  ever  hear  the  'Legend  of  Katama* 
and  its  beautiful  bay?"  asked  Vic. 

"  No,  is  there  an  Indian  legend  for  that  place  ? " 
asked  several. 

"A  very  natural  one." 


THE    SEA    LETTER  75 

"Katama  was  the  name  of  a  beautiful  Indian 
girl,  who  lived  on  the  shore  of  the  pretty  bay  three 
miles  below  Edgartown,  in  the  village  of  Wintucket, 
where  her  father,  Nashamois,  was  chief  of  his  tribe. 
She  was  much  sought  after  by  young  braves,  but 
her  father  had  promised  her  to  his  friend,  Ahquom- 
pacha,  chief  of  an  allied  tribe,  whom  she  hated 
intensely. 

"  She  had  not  fallen  in  love  with  anyone;  but 
she  busied  herself  making  ornaments,  baskets  and 
mats  for  the  wigwam,  where  she  expected  to  live 
an  unhappy  bride.  One  day  she  went  down  to 
Quanomiqua  in  her  little  canoe  to  gather  grasses, 
which  were  there  more  luxuriant  and  beautiful  than 
elsewhere  in  Capawock.  While  busy  assorting  her 
collection,  a  tall  shadow  fell  upon  her,  and,  glan- 
cing backwards,  she  saw  a  handsome  young  Indian, 
who  told  her  he  was  Mattakese,  chief  of  a  neigh- 
boring tribe.  He  was  so  respectful  and  gracious 
in  his  demeanor,  that  she  finally  fell  in  love  with 
him  and  reluctantly  promised  to  be  his  queen. 

"  She  paddled  back  to  her  wigwam  much  trou- 
bled in  spirit,  because  she  knew  her  tribe  was  at 
enmity  with  her  lover's,  and  her  father  and  Ahquom- 
pacha  would  make  war  upon  him,  should  they  learn 
of  the  betrothal. 

"Mattakese  and  his  people  planted  maize 
upon  the  Great  Plain  south  and  west,  which  is  the 
largest  piece  of  level  land  in  New  England,  and 
excited  the  cupidity  and  envy  of  the  neighboring 


76  THE    SEA    LETTER 

villagers.  The  tribes  of  Pohoganot,  Ahquompacha 
and  Nashamois  conspired  to  make  a  raid  and  rob 
the  fields  of  their  golden  harvest.  A  moonless 
night  was  appointed  and  the  tribes  were  detailed 
for  the  attack.  Some  crept  along  the  South  Beach, 
some  came  by  way  of  Shockamokset,  and  some  by 
Weshacket,  in  order  to  surround  the  plain  and  ren- 
der escape  impossible. 

"Katama  had  heard  all  the  plans,  and  she 
slipped  away  early  in  her  canoe  to  warn  her  lover 
of  the  conspiracy  and  attack.  Mattakese  posted 
his  warriors  for  defence,  sending  the  squaws  and 
papooses  over  to  Chappaquiddick  just  after  dark, 
and  awaited  his  foes.  The  battle  was  furious  and 
fierce,  but,  overwhelmed  by  the  great  number  of 
warriors,  his  braves  were  soon  all  killed  or  cap- 
tured, and  he  and  Katama  stood  at  last  alone  upon 
the  shore.  They  cast  despairing  glances  around, 
then  stepped  quietly  into  her  little  canoe  and  pad- 
dled rapidly  away.  In  the  middle  of  the  bay, 
where  the  swift  current  sweeps  around  the  eastern 
point,  the  canoe  was  upset  by  a  swirl  in  the  tide, 
and  the  lovers  found  themselves  in  the  water  swim- 
ming for  life.  They  could  have  gained  the  western 
shore,  but  they  knew  torture  and  death  awaited 
them  by  the  hands  of  Nashamois  and  Ahquompa- 
cha. Katama's  strength  failed  and  Mattakese 
took  her  in  his  arms  and  kissed  her,  and  then  they 
drowned  and  went  to  the  Happy  Hunting  Ground, 
united  for  evermore, 


THE    SEA    LETTER  7; 

"Hence  came  the  name  of  Katama  Bay  and 
Mattakese  below  it,  and  it  is  said,  the  place  where 
they  perished  has  ceased  its  turbulence  and  remains 
a  quiet  pool  in  the  midst  of  the  current." 

The  listeners  applauded  and  praised  Vic  hear- 
tily. Gabrielle  said,  "  That  is  a  sad  legend, 
but  admirably  related." 

"How  did  you  learn  all  that?"  asked  May. 

"Wasn't  it  too  bad  they  drowned?"  sighed 
Flossie. 

"Served  her  right  for  wanting  to  marry  a 
foreigner,"  observed  Sanders. 

"Oh!  come  off,  Sanders!  You'd  spoil  a  fune- 
ral," said  Thompson. 

"A  pretty  story,  prettily  told,"  added  Delano, 
looking  at  Vic.  approvingly,  who  answered  all  ques- 
tions and  received  congratulations  with  a  mien  of 
becoming  humility. 

The  girls  were  busy  with  their  bon-bons  and 
the  gentlemen  with  their  cigars.  The  roar  of  the 
surf  and  the  music  from  the  Surf  House  band 
mingled  in  sweet  cadence,  and,  though  it  was  nearly 
ten,  there  was  no  chill  in  the  night  air,  nor  discom- 
fort in  sitting  upon  the  sandy  soil,  which  the  sun 
had  dried  to  a  great  depth. 

"  It  is  getting  late,  mamma  will  be  worried," 
said  Laura,  placing  her  hand  on  Delano's  arm. 

"  I  think  we  ought  to  start,"  added  Gabrielle. 

"If  you  are  all  satisfied,  we  will  return,"  said 
Delano. 


78  THE    SEA  LETTER 

"We  have  had  a  perfectly  lovely  time,"  sang 
the  girls  in  chorus. 

"Jack,  hitch  up!" 

"Everything  is  right,  I  reckon,  sir!" 

Delano  walked  around  the  horses,  Jack  held 
the  leaders,  the  inside  passengers  exchanged  seats 
with  the  outside  ones,  the  ladies  were  helped  to 
their  places,  and  the  gentlemen  climbed  nimbly 
aboard.  Delano  gathered  up  the  reins  and  took 
his  seat,  Jack  made  a  spring  into  place  and  blew 
his  horn,  and  the  jovial  party  rolled  towards  the 
north,  leaving  the  sea  to  beat  itself  weary  and  level 
upon  the  white  shore. 

How  happy  they  were !  How  sweet  life  seemed ! 
How  little  they  thought  of  labor  and  economy  !  O, 
golden  days  of  youth  and  hope,  how  soon  you  pass 
into  memory !  What  struggles,  victories,  defeats, 
happiness,  misery,  hope  and  despair  the  riper  years 
unfold. 

The  girls  sang  several  ballads  appropriate  to 
the  occasion,  and  the  gentlemen  responded  with 
college  and  boating  songs.  The  horses  pranced 
along  the  road ;  the  horn  sounded  sweetly  across 
the  moors  ;  repartees  and  joyous  laughter  alterna- 
ted, and  everyone  seemed  contented  and  happy. 
Certainly,  it  was  a  very  congenial  party,  and  a 
unique  experience  to  several  persons. 

The  cottages  along  the  streets  were  still  bril- 
liantly lighted,  exhibiting  the  usual  charming  in- 
terior pictures ;  the  piazzas  contained  many  quiet 


THE    SEA    LETTER  79 

groups  and  sly  couples  in  the  shadows ;  bicyclists 
flitted  here  and  there  like  fireflies,  tinkling  warning 
bells;  acquaintances  and  lovers  wandered  arm  in 
arm  here  and  there,  and  the  general  quiet  told 
that  the  children  had  been  put  away  to  sleep. 

The  immense  dome  of  the  great  Methodist 
Tabernacle  cast  a  black  shadow  upon  the  hundreds 
of  seats  below,  where  preaching,  lectures  and  music 
usually  attracted  thousands,  and  Trinity  Park 
around  it  was  full  of  sweet  odors  from  its  many 
flowers. 

The  coach  rolled  on,  attracting  less  attention 
now  ;  went  around  the  Highlands,  giving  the  riders 
a  glimpse  of  the  Baptist  Tabernacle  in  the  oak 
grove  ;  met  the  rising  night  air  out  of  the  south- 
west ;  passed  slowly  beneath  the  trees  through  the 
shadows  of  the  avenue,  and  drew  up  before  the 
main  entrance  of  the  hotel,  where  a  little  bustle 
among  the  loungers  manifested  a  sleepy  interest 
in  the  excursionists.  The  riders  dismounted  with 
jests  and  laughter,  thanked  Delano  cordially  for 
his  generosity,  and  mingled  with  their  friends  in 
and  around  the  hotel,  and  the  team  was  taken  to 
the  stables. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


Delano  went  to  his  room  and,  finding  the 
captain  upon  the  porch  smoking,  invited  him  in, 
gave  him  an  easy-chair,  and  told  him  about  the 
moon  light  ride. 

"  Been  on  a  tally-ho  ride  to  the  South  Beach, 
have  you  ?  Well,  that's  mighty  fine.  I  wish  I  was 
young  myself,"  said  the  captain  earnestly. 

"  You  aren't  old,  Captain,"  said  Delano.  "  Do 
you  remember  the  other  night  we  had  a  discussion 
about  the  loss  of  the  Portland,  and  the  probability 
of  receiving  news  from  some  of  her  people  by  a 
sea  message  in  a  bottle  ?" 

"Aye,  aye  !  that  I  do ;  and  I've  thought  con- 
siderably of  your  ideas  about  altered  relations  and 
property  complications.  You  haven't  heard  any- 
thing about  her,  have  you  ?" 

"No;  but  I  have  found  a  bottle  upon  the 
shore,  which  contains  a  piece  of  paper  with  writing 
upon  it." 

"  You  don't  say  so  ?  You  aint  joking  ?  Let  us 
overhaul  it,  and  see  if  it  isn't  some  funny  business." 


THE    SEA    LETTER  81 

Delano  took  the  round  porter  bottle  out  of  his 
overcoat  pocket  and  handed  it  to  the  captain. 

"By  Jupiter!  that  looks  genuine,"  he  ex- 
claimed, eyeing  the  bottle  all  over,  and  holding  it 
up  to  the  light. 

Delano  drew  the  piece  of  paper  from  the  bot- 
tle and  spread  it  out  upon  the  table. 

The  captain  put  on  his  glasses,  looked  it  over 
carefully,  held  it  up  to  the  lamp  and  ejaculated, 
"Spanish,  By  Thunder!"  and  proceeded  to  read 
and  translate  it  slowly  : 

"  Schooner  Cisneros, 

Gulf  Stream,  Lat.  44°  N. 

Nov.  27,  1 8 — . 

"Vessel  is  dismasted — full  of  water  —  driving 
before  a  hurricane — seas  breaking  over — we  are 
lost  —  crew  is  Floyd,  Lookup,  Solana,  Galvez,  Ca- 
brera, de  Castro,  Santillo  and  myself,  Captain 
Ayllon — mostly  Minorcans  from  Mayport,  Fla. — 
Whoever  finds — report.  Go  to  sound  on  coast  of 
Maine — west  side — great  hole  in  ledge — see 
arrows  in  ledge  pointing  towards  it — a  cross  on 
face  of  cliff  to  the  north  —  find  cave  in  north  wall 
closed  by  stone  and  cement — valuable  informa- 
tion. An  island  lies  in  mouth  of  sound — two 
islands  outside  with  narrow  passage  between — 
Mercy  Lord — must  hurry — sinking!" 

Captain  Oliver  had  been  to  sea  from  boyhood 
and  had  learned  several  foreign  languages.  "  Ano- 


82  THE    SEA  LETTER 

ther  vessel  lost,"  said  he,  "and  all  hands  gone  to 
Davy  Jones'  Locker.  It  isn't  the  Portland  either." 

"  Yes,  poor  fellows ! "  said  Delano  sadly. 
"Probably  in  a  storm  like  we  had  last  week.  Their 
sweethearts  and  wives  will  watch  in  vain  for  their 
coming." 

"They  have  gotten  through  their  mourning 
long  ago,  to  judge  by  the  looks  of  this  paper.  It 
must  be  many  years  old." 

"  Minorcans  ?  Where  do  they  come  from  ? " 

"  I  think  from  the  island  of  Minorca  in  the 
Mediterranean  Sea.  The  inhabitants  are  mostly 
Spanish,  and  they  speak  that  language.  There 
was  a  small  colony  of  them  at  Mayport,  or  a  place 
called  Fort  San  Mateo,  on  the  right  bank  at  the 
mouth  of  the  St.  Johns  River,  Florida. 

"  This  river  was  named  St.  John  the  Baptist,  in 
1525,  by  Gordillo  and  Quexos,  who  landed  near  St. 
Augustine  and  led  an  exploring  expedition  along 
the  coast.  The  latter  seized  the  country  for  Spain, 
but  no  permanent  settlement  was  made.  In  1 562, 
Ribaut  entered  the  river  with  a  colony  of  French 
Huguenots,  renamed  it  '  La  Riviere  de  Mai ' 
(River  of  May),  whence  Mayport  took  its  name, 
and  claimed  the  territory.  Fort  Caroline  was  built 
in  1 564,  by  the  French,  at  St.  John's  Bluff,  some 
miles  up  river  from  the  coast.  In  1565,  St. 
Augustine  was  founded  by  Menendes,  and  he  made 
an  unsuccessful  attack  upon  Fort  Caroline.  The 
fleet  met  with  many  disasters ;  the  Spanish  and 


THE    SEA    LETTER  83 

French  soldiers,  both  aided  by  native  Indians, 
fought  up  and  down  the  coast  for  two  hundred 
miles,  but  finally,  Menendes  captured  Fort  Caroline 
and  murdered  all  who  surrendered.  This  left  the 
coast  under  Spanish  rule,  but,  in  1568,  Gourges 
landed  with  a  French  force,  captured  the  fort,  hung 
all  the  garrison  in  revenge  for  Menendes'  perfidy 
in  killing  prisoners  of  war,  and  destroyed  the  for- 
tification. Other  Spaniards  came  later  and  settled 
along  the  shore,  and  a  long  struggle  ensued  between 
Spain  and  England  for  possession. 

"During  English  predominance  and  peace,  in 
1767,  an  English  Dr.  Turnbull  established  an  In- 
digo Plantation  near  Mosquito  Inlet,  on  the  main- 
land and  shore  of  Mosquito  Lagoon,  at  a  place  called 
New  Smyrna,  and  colonized  it  by  bringing  over 
1500  Minorcans.  The  enterprise  was  a  failure, 
and  the  foreigners  soon  scattered  up  along  the 
coast  and  increased  the  population.  In  1 865,  there 
were  many  descendants  of  these  people  along  the 
river  and  at  Mayport. 

"  Captain  Ayllon  says,  '  Schooner  Cisneros,' 
possibly  a  smuggler  between  Florida  and  Cuba. 
There  was  plenty  of  smuggling  down  there.  The 
coast  of  Florida  is  a  network  of  channels  between 
islands  and  keys,  and  it  is  most  difficult  to  navigate 
them,  or  to  catch  a  vessel  once  she  gets  inside. 
During  the  Civil  War,  I  often  chased  vessels  into 
an  inlet  and  lost  them,  when  I  felt  sure  they  were 
my  prizes.  They  would  down  sail  and  row  and 


84  THE    SEA    LETTER 

pole  into  a  gap  in  the  bank,  where  they  were 
securely  hidden  by  the  trees.  The  fishermen  there 
loaded  with  mullet,  red-snapper,  grouper  and  pom- 
pano,  and  took  them  to  Havana,  where  they  brought 
good  prices." 

"  Did  they  return  in  ballast  ?" 

"  No  sirree !  not  when  aguadiente,  tobacco 
and  sugar  paid  such  good  profits.  Two  to  one, 
that  craft  was  a  smuggler." 

The  old  skipper  puffed  away  at  his  pipe,  as 
he  looked  over  the  last  letter  from  the  sea  care- 
fully. 

Delano  lighted  another  cigar  and  said,  "  You 
seem  very  well  posted  on  the  history  of  Florida, 
Captain." 

"  I  was  always  fond  of  history,  and  don't  read 
much  of  anything  else  these  times.  I  was  on  the 
St.  Johns  River,  on  a  U.  S.  Gunboat  during  the 
Civil  War,  and  often  ashore  at  Mayport.  It  was 
a  great  country  for  oysters,  fish  and  game  —  I 
wonder  if  this  schooner  is  the  one  we  chased  so 
often  on  the  blockade  ?  " 

"  I  suppose,  in  the  morning,  we  had  better 
inform  the  reporters  about  the  message  in  the 
bottle." 

"  Not  by  a  jug  full !  We  should  he  harried 
to  death  by  them,  and  give  away  a  valuable  secret. 
There  is  something  extraordinary  in  the  hole  in 
the  ledge,  and  we  must  find  out  what  it  is  our- 
selves before  we  give  it  away." 


THE    SEA    LETTER  85 

"  Do  you  suppose  we  could  find  the  locality 
from  the  slight  description  ? " 

"  Of  course,  we  could  ;  we  can  go  into  every 
sound  on  the  Maine  coast  if  necessary,  but  a  good 
chart  will  shorten  the  trip." 

"  What  shall  we  tell  our  friends  ?  They'll  all 
be  after  me  the  first  thing  in  the  morning." 

"  Tell  them  the  first  part  of  the  message  only 
—  they'll  not  miss  the  other  half." 

"All  right.  Let  me  write  it  down  now." 
The  captain  translated  the  letter  again ;  Delano 
wrote  the  whole  of  it  on  one  piece  of  paper,  and 
the  first  part  on  another  slip,  and  put  them  care- 
fully away  in  his  pocket-book,  hiding  the  original 
writing  in  a  secret  compartment. 

"It  is  two-bells  in  the  midwatch,"  (i  a.  m.) 
said  the  Captain,  "  and  I  think  I'll  turn  in." 

Delano  was  astonished  to  find  it  was  so  late. 
He  arose  and  said,  "  Come  in  after  breakfast, 
captain." 

"Aye!  aye!  and  I'll  bring  along  my  charts 
of  the  coast — Good-night !  " 

"  All  right !  Good  morning  you  mean." 

"No  sir!  not  till  sunrise." 

"  Well,  Good-night !  then,"  and  they  parted 
laughing,  and  the  captain  dragged  his  slippers  and 
himself  out  of  the  room.  Delano  undressed 
leisurely,  put  his  vest  with  the  precious  pocket- 
book  under  his  pillow,  and  got  into  bed.  He 
rolled  and  tossed  and  thought  for  a  long  time, 


86  THE    SEA    LETTER 

and,  finally,  sank  into  a  troubled  sleep,  and 
dreamed  of  a  demon  in  a  bottle,  and  Gabrielle  and 
Laura  fencing  with  golf  sticks  until  they  broke 
it,  and  the  demon  came  and  sat  upon  his  breast. 
He  gasped  for  breath,  clutched  at  his  aching 
chest  to  throw  off  the  incubus,  and  awoke  pant- 
ing and  terrified  —  a  victim  of  nicotine  poison. 

"  What  a  fool  to  smoke  so  much  last  night," 
he  muttered,  and  the  wind  in  the  chimney  seemed 
to  repeat,  "  foo-oo-ool  foo-oo-ool." 

The  next  morning  all  the  friends  had  gather- 
ed upon  the  piazza  and  Delano  was  chaffed  about 
his  late  rising. 

"  Have  you  seen  the  doctor  this  morning, 
Miss  Dale  ? "  he  asked  carelessly. 

"  No,"  she  replied,  slightly  disturbed. 

"  Tell  him  we  shall  not  need  his  microscope." 

"  Oh !  then  you  have  succeeded  in  reading 
the  letter  in  the  bottle  ?  "  asked  several  eagerly. 

"  Yes." 

"  O,  tell  us  !  Tell  us  what  it  says  !  "  deman- 
ded several  of  the  girls  in  chorus.  The  doctor 
joined  them  just  then  and  asked  the  news.  Delano 
read  the  prepared  half  of  the  letter,  commented 
with  the  curious  and  sympathetic  upon  the  mes- 
sage, and  refused  to  exhibit  the  original  paper  at 
that  time.  It  was  so  damaged,  he  desired  to  dry 
and  preserve  it.  Only  the  doctor  asked  was  that 
all,  and  seemed  disappointed  at  not  having  an 
opportunity  to  examine  the  original. 


THE    SEA   LETTER  87 

"  Spanish,  was  it  ?  I  know  a  little  of  that 
language,"  said  Miss  Dale. 

Delano  was  glad  the  captain  had  advised 
secrecy,  and  he  had  kept  the  paper  from  general 
examination.  It  was  necessary  for  success  in 
rinding  the  cave  and  controlling  its  secrets,  that 
he  and  the  captain  should  be  cautious  and  confide 
in  no  one. 

"Well,  I  may  let  some  of  you  Latinists  try 
your  skill  in  translating  it  some  time,"  said  Delano 
politely,  never  intending  to  do  so,  however,  until  it 
had  served  his  purpose. 

The  guests  around  the  hotel  considered  the 
matter  from  various  standpoints,  and  found  amuse- 
ment all  the  forenoon.  It  was  not  long  before 
the  ubiquitous  reporter  called  upon  Delano  and 
then  telephoned  a  scoop  to  his  journal,  and  the 
afternoon  papers  came  down  on  the  evening  train 
and  boat  with  half  a  column  of  interesting  matter. 

Mrs.  Conant  did  not  like  the  notoriety  it  gave 
Laura,  and  Delano  disavowed  giving  the  reporter 
anything  about  her.  He  declared  he  had  gather- 
ed up  all  the  gossip  about  the  piazzas  and  arranged 
it  to  suit  his  sensational  object. 

"  Laura  is  still  a  child,  and  we  have  a  sacred 
duty  to  perform  in  completing  her  education  and 
insuring  her  future  position  in  life,"  said  Mrs. 
Conant  quietly. 


88  THE    SEA    LETTER 

Delano  noticed  in  his  embarrassment  a  pecu- 
liar earnestness  in  her  speech  which  awakened  his 
curiosity. 

"  I  suppose  it  must  be  a  solemn  task  to  guide 
a  child  from  infancy  to  adult  life,"  said  he. 

"  You  may  well  believe  it ;  especially,  when 
a  child  is  as  lively  and  mischievous  as  a  coon- 
kitten." 

"  The  quiet  manners  and  sedate  lives  of  you 
and  your  husband  do  not  evidence  any  riotous 
passions." 

"But  Laura" — then  Mrs.  Conant  bit  her  lip 
and  turned  her  head  away — "You  know,"  she 
continued,  "children  are  not  always  like  their 
parents." 

Mrs.  Conant  was  one  of  those  quiet,  sensible, 
methodical,  affectionate  women,  who  are  such 
treasures  at  home  and  such  agreeable  companions 
in  society.  She  had  medium  height,  roundish 
head  and  face,  regular  features,  soft  black  eyes, 
and  black  hair  twisted  into  a  heavy  coil.  Mr. 
Conant  resembled  his  wife  in  features  and  char- 
acter, as  married  persons  often  do,  when  they 
have  lived  together  in  harmony  for  many  years. 
Their  lives  had  been  a  true  and  agreeable  comrade- 
ship, which  is  after  all  the  real  touchstone  of  per- 
fect marriage.  They  had  lived  long  in  the 
quiet  town  of  Essex,  where  he  had  conducted  a 
large  dry-goods  store,  and  she  had  kept  their 


THE    SEA    LETTER  89 

pretty  home  and  brought  up  Laura  as  the  light  of 
the  household. 

Just  then  Laura  rushed  into  the  group  upon 
the  piazza,  and  said  eagerly,  "  Mother,  come  down 
to  the  bathing-beach  and  see  the  fun.  Professor 
Thornton  is  going  to  teach  some  of  the  girls  to 
swim  and  others  to  perform  swimming  tricks." 

"Are  you  going  in  this  morning,  Miss 
Laura  ?  "  asked  Delano.  "  Cert.,  and  so  is  Gab- 
rielle  and  the  rest  of  our  set.  Would  you  take 
ma  in  charge  ?  I  must  fly." 

"  Thank  you ;  I  am  sorry,  but  I  have  an 
important  engagement." 

"  So  am  I  —  Are  you  going  out  with  the 
tally-ho  again  ? " 

"  Not  to-day." 

"  Didn't  we  have  a  jolly  time  ? " 

"Very  jolly,"  said  he  smiling.  Then  she 
caught  a  glance  from  his  merry  eyes  and  blushed 
a  little,  and  he  knew  she  had  suddenly  remember- 
ed the  walk  and  its  consequences.  Her  mother 
looked  and  listened  and  said  nothing.  Laura  had 
not  told  her,  and  had  resolved  not  to  —  it  was  such 
a  trifling  gallantry  after  all. 

"  Well,  I  will  accompany  you  to-day,  my  dear, 
but  you  had  better  give  me  your  jewelry ;  I  would 
not  have  you  lose  your  bracelet  for  the  world," 
said  Mrs.  Conant. 

"  That  is  a  unique  and  valuable  bracelet, 
Mrs.  Conant,"  said  Delano,  as  Laura  slipped  it 


90  THE    SEA    LETTER 

off  her  wrist  and  tossed  it  into  her  mother's  lap, 
with  her  breast-pin,  watch  and  chain.  He  took 
it  in  his  hand  and  admired  the  peculiar  colored 
enamel  of  the  serpent's  scales,  changing  from 
white  to  yellow,  orange,  brown  and  black ;  exam- 
ined the  lifelike  coils,  the  fierce  ruby  eyes  and 
the  twist  of  the  tail  around  the  neck  to  complete 
the  circle,  and  handed  it  to  Mrs.  Conant  saying, 
"  I  think  I  have  never  seen  a  more  exquisite  piece 
of  workmanship.  Was  it  purchased  in  this 
country  ? " 

"  I  do  not  know ;  it  is  an  heirloom,  and  there 
is  another  like  it,  but  it  is  not  in  our  possession." 
Laura  had  withdrawn  a  little  to  chatter  to  some 
girls.  "  When  we  received  it,  there  was  a  note 
written  in  Spanish  enclosed  in  its  velvet  case." 

"  How  very  singular  !  then  you  are  of  Spanish 
descent ! " 

"  Come  Mamma,  come  !  we  are  waiting  !  " 
called  Laura,  running  up  to  her. 

"  I  suppose  I  shall  have  to  go,  if  you  will 
excuse  me,"  said  Mrs.  Conant  smiling. 

"  Certainly.  You  are  very  excusable,"  re- 
plied Delano. 

"  I  wish  you  could  go,"  said  Laura  appeal- 
ingly. 

"  Sorry,  but  it  is  impossible  —  Good  morn- 
ing!" 

"  Bye,  bye,"  and  they  separated. 


THE    SEA    LETTER  91 

Delano  hastened  towards  the  old  mansion, 
and  the  ladies,*  to  the  beach.  On  the  way,  he  saw 
Gabrielle  dressed  in  white  challie  with  pink 
flowers,  tan  shoes,  and  chip  hat  covered  with  roses, 
set  jauntily  over  her  lovely  auburn  hair  twisted  in 
figure  eight.  She  nodded  to  him  under  her  blue 
parasol,  ancl  he  could  not  resist  going  over  to 
greet  her  and  walk  a  little  way.  She  was  frank 
and  sprightly  as  ever. 

"  Everyone  travels  the  same  way  to-day. 
Do  you  bathe  this  morning  ? "  said  he. 

"  Yes ;  I  cannot  bear  to  lose  one  day  —  it  is 
so  delicious  and  healthful.  If  I  do,  I  will  reproach 
myself  when  I  return  home,  and  not  be  able  to 
stand  the  winter's  dissipation." 

"That  is  right.  Get  all  the  salty  sea  and 
ozone  you  can ;  they  are  real  vitalizers  of  the 
system.  You  seem  to  have  little  time  for  a  rock- 
ing-chair and  fancy  work." 

"  Yes ;  and  I  lament  the  summer  so  nearly 
gone  and  so  little  done." 

"  You  will  get  through  with  your  athletic 
craze  after  a  while,  and  enjoy  some  comfort  in 
reminiscences,  as  I  do  now." 

"  But  you  indulge  often  ? " 

"  Yes,  but  seldom  as  a  task.  My  natural 
inclination  leads  me  to  enjoy  out-of-doors,  and  I 
use  athletic  sports  only  when  they  agree  with 
me." 


92  THE    SEA  LETTER 

"  That  is  a  new  idea.  Have  I  wearied  and 
worried  myself  following  them  ? "  . 

"  It  seems  so.  You  should  not  engage  posi- 
tively to  do  anything,  nor  force  yourself,  if  you 
feel  any  physical  or  mental  disinclination." 

"  That  seems  like  a  good  rule  of  action.  I  got 
awfully  used  up  at  Bar  Harbor  last  summer.  You 
know  the  dear  little  Canoe  Club  on  Bar  Island  ? 
We  girls  used  to  take  a  bark'  apiece  and  paddle 
from  it  around  Great  Porcupine  Island  every  day. 
I  used  to  come  back  so  tired,  I  could  not  write 
decently.  I  was  afraid  to  go  there  again,  and  came 
here  for  rest  and  a  greater  variety  of  exercise, 
but  I  guess  I  have  been  over-training  again." 

"  One  would  think  so,  to  see  your  tan  and 
muscle.  I  must  leave  you  here  —  Good  morning." 

"  I  am  sorry — Au  revoir" 

"What  an  intelligent  and  splendid  creature 
she  is,"  thought  Delano,  as  he  gazed  after  her  and 
noted  her  graceful  walk  and  proud  demeanor. 
"  How  sweetly  deferential  she  is  to  my  opinions. 
A  man  ought  to  be  very  happy  with  such  a  woman 
for  his  wife,"  and  he  sighed.  Gabrielle  looked 
back,  saw  him  observing  her,  and  waved  her  hand. 
He  answered  by  lifting  his  hat. 

These  young  people  were  drifting  together, 
or  was  Gabrielle  merely  playing  him  to  kill,  as  the 
fisherman  plays  the  hooked  salmon  in  the  rapids  ? 
He  seemed  awake  to  a  realizing  sense  of  her  attrac- 
tions and  would  have  followed  her  to  the  beach, 


THE    SEA    LETTER  93 

had  he  given  way  to  his  first  impulse ;  but  he  had 
told  Laura  he  had  an  engagement,  and,  if  he  should 
go,  it  would  require  embarrassing  explanations. 
Besides,  what  would  the  captain  think  of  his  longer 
tarrying  ?  No,  he  would  meet  the  captain,  though 
he  felt  a  strong  disposition  to  do  otherwise,  and 
somehow  felt  that  Laura  was  to  blame.  He  was 
what  an  Islander  would  call,  "poke  hooked,"  a 
fisherman's  expression  for  a  fish  that  has  swallowed 
the  hook — sure  to  be  caught. 

But  was  he  though  ?  He  still  thought  much  of 
Laura.  Such  little  things  turn  the  course  of  a  life. 
If  Delano  had  directed  his  steps  to  the  beach  and 
seen  Gabrielle  again  in  her  beauty  and  bath,  no 
doubt  he  would  have  surrendered  his  heart  to  her 
imperious  control.  But  he  did  not.  He  delayed 
his  submission  to  her  in  order  to  be  loyal  to  Laura. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


Captain  Oliver  sat  upon  the  porch  smoking 
his  pipe  and  holding  a  long  roll  of  charts.  "  Hullo  ! 
here  you  be  at  last !  "  said  he,  as  Delano  appeared 
around  the  corner. 

"  Yes,  here  I  am  and  quite  sorry  I  kept  you 
waiting,  Captain.  The  ladies  detained  me." 

"  Of  course,  they  did  ;  they  always  do  ;  they 
used  to  keep  me  ashore  till  seven-bells  (i  1-30  p.m.), 
when  I  had  the  mid-watch.  Many  a  night  I  pushed 
aside  the  ice-cakes  with  a  boat  hook  in  the  Dela- 
ware, at  Philadelphia,  while  a  shore  boatman  pulled 
me  off,  and  I  got  aboard  ship  to  relieve  the  deck 
just  as  the  binnacle-bell  and  the  quarter-master 
made  it  eight-bells  (12  p.m.).  A  close  squeak 
sometimes,  I  can  tell  you." 

"  I  should  say  it  was." 

"  Well,  I  guess  we'd  better  get  inside  and  to 
business  —  we  might  be  run  afoul  of  here." 

"  You  are  right,  as  usual,  Captain." 

They  went  into  Delano's  room,  locked  the 
door,  spread  a  chart  upon  the  table  and  began  their 
investigation. 


THE    SEA    LETTER  95 

"  Have  you  found  the  sound,  Captain  ?  "  asked 
Delano  eagerly. 

"  I  have  hit  on  a  number  of  promising  places, 
but  from  looks  of  the  chart,  it  isn't  going  to 
be  such  an  easy  job.  There  isn't  any  place  looks 
likely  this  side  of  Portland,  and  see  how  the  remain- 
der of  the  coast  is  cut  up  by  those  long,  narrow 
islands  and  peninsulars  that  run  northeast  and 
southwest." 

"  Yes,  very  peculiar.  Suppose  we  should  de- 
cide to  take  a  cruise  down-east,  what  kind  of  a 
vessel  would  you  prefer  to  go  in,  a  sailing  craft  or 
a  steamer  ? " 

"  I  should  favor  a  beamy  cutter.  A  steamer 
would  attract  too  much  attention,  and  not  be  as 
roomy  and  comfortable  for  a  cruise.  You  would 
not  get  away  till  September,  and  the  winds  are 
wild  and  the  seas  rough  on  the  coast  that  late." 

"  I  have  cruised  as  far  as  Eastport  in  a  30- 
footer  and  found  her  comfortable  and  safe.  There's 
a  good  harbor  every  twenty-five  miles  on  the  Maine 
coast,  and  a  small  craft  ought  to  get  in  every  night." 

"  You  could  run  up  to  Boston  and  make  a 
selection  from  the  yachts,  which  will  be  hauling 
out  in  the  yards  the  last  of  the  month." 

"  Yes  ;  I  suppose  you  could  go  along  with  me 
as  Sailing  Master  ?  " 

"  You  don't  mean  it  ?  Nothing  would  please 
me  better,  Mr.  Delano  ;  but  —  I'll  have  to  have  a 
talk  with  Alice." 


96  THE    SEA    LETTER 

The  captain  looked  pleased  at  the  idea  of  hav- 
ing a  wrestle  with  Neptune  again.  He  had  only 
been  fishing  in  his  cat-boat  around  Cape  Poge  and 
No  Man's  Land  since  he  had  retired  from  the  Navy 
and  deep-water  cruising  after  whales ;  and  every- 
body knows,  a  sailor  on  land  is  always  longing  for 
the  deep  sea  and  a  heaving  deck  beneath  his  feet 
until  his  dying  day.  There  would  be  nothing  in 
the  contemplated  cruise  comparable  to  the  priva- 
tions and  perils  of  a  whaling  voyage  to  the  arctic 
regions,  but  just  enough  adventure,  mystery  and 
roughing  it  to  suit  an  old  sea-dog  past  his  prime. 

The  captain  was  of  medium  size  and  very 
compact  build.  Though  sixty  years  old,  he  did  not 
look  fifty.  "  No  man  should  ever  confess  to  being 
old,"  said  he,  "  who  has  the  strength  and  buoyant 
feelings  of  twenty-five."  The  band  of  iron-gray 
hair  and  his  gray  side-whiskers  and  mustache 
were  kept  neatly  trimmed  ;  and  the  bald  crown 
and  smoothly  shaven  chin  added  to  the  symmetry 
of  his  well  shaped  head.  His  eyes  were  black  and 
penetrating,  and  his  Roman  nose  denoted  strength 
and  self-reliance.  He  was  such  a  man,  as  always 
graces  the  quarter-deck  of  a  ship,  and  has  the  con- 
fidence and  respect  of  subordinates,  like  the  captain 
of  an  ocean-liner  or  an  officer  of  the  Navy. 

Delano  was  .still  a  member  of  the  Marblehead 
Corinthian  Yacht  Club ;  he  had  owned  an  able 
cutter  and  cruised  along  the  coast  from  Cape  Cod 


THE    SEA    LETTER  97 

to  Grand  Manan,  and  he  said,  "  We'll  go  to  Boston 
before  long,  Captain." 

"  Aye  !  aye  !  Mr.  Delano ;  I'll  obey  your 
orders  any  time,  sir." 

"  What  time  can  we  be  ready  ?  " 

"  If  we  have  luck,  the  first  of  September." 

"  Where  had  we  better  fit  out  ? " 

"  In  Boston,  of  course." 

"  All  right ;  now  let  us  study  the  charts 
awhile  —  Remember,  not  a  word  of  our  mission  to 
anyone." 

"  What  shall  we  say  ?  " 

"  Say,  we  are  going  to  take  a  yachting  cruise 
in  September." 

"  Aye,  aye  !  sir  ;  that's  the  ticket." 

They  spread  the  chart  of  Casco  Bay  on  the 
table  and  began  its  examination. 

"  '  Go  to  sound  on  coast  of  Maine  —  an  island 
lies  in  mouth  of  sound  —  two  islands  outside  with 
narrow  passage  between,'  so  say  the  instructions," 
said  Delano,  reading  from  his  copy. 

"  Those  are  good  sailing  directions,"  commen- 
ted the  captain.  "  Strange  how  very  few  places 
resemble  that  description.  The  writer  may  have 
been  deceived  in  some  things  ;  the  sound  may  have 
been  a  river,  a  channel  or  a  bay.  Look  at  Broad 
Cove  at  the  head  of  New  Meadows  River.  An 
island  lies  in  the  mouth,  and  there  are  two  islands 
outside  with  a  narrow  passage  between  them  The 
inner  island  and  one  of  the  outer  ones,  however, 


98  THE    SEA    LETTER 

bear  but  one  name,  William's  Island,  signifying 
they  are  connected  at  low  water,  as  the  chart  shows, 
and  the  other  one  is  Merrit's  Island.  This  cannot 
be  the  place,  and  we  may  dismiss  it  and  all  that 
vast  area  of  water  with  the  three  hundred  and  sixty- 
five  islands  included  in  Casco  Bay.  There  isn't  an 
arrangement  in  it  to  suit  the  description,  and  there 
is  no  use  wasting  time  upon  it." 

Delano  looked  over  the  chart  carefully  and 
acquiesced  in  the  captain's  decision  with  reluctance 
and  astonishment  and  said,  "  I  should  have  sailed 
into  most  of  those  reaches,  had  you  left  it  to  my 
judgment,  but  the  chart  forbids." 

"  It  would  have  taken  you  all  winter  to  do  it, 
sir  ;  such  a  cruise  would  be  fine  in  the  summer." 

"  Yes,  if  one  could  take  all  his  friends  along." 

"  Here  is  the  chart  from  White  Head  to  Cape 
Small  Point  at  the  entrance  of  Casco.  All  clear 
to  the  Kennebec  River,  and  those  cruisers  never 
went  into  that  boisterous,  tidal,  treacherous  hole. 
Look  at  Sheepscot,  a  long,  narrow,  salt-water  sound 
all  the  way  to  Wiscasset  —  It  nearly  cuts  the  state 
in  two  pieces,  and  the  Damiriscotta  is  almost  as 
long." 

"  Wonderful  waterways ;  I  never  noticed  them 
critically  before  this  time." 

"  Old  Pemaquid  Point,  Muscongus  Bay,  St. 
George's  River  —  nothing  to  White  Head." 

"  You  are  navigating  more  than  ten  knots  an 
hour,  Captain." 


u 


b 
U 

as 

u 

Q 


THE    SEA    LETTER  99 

"We  have  to  —  it  is  almost  time  for  grub. 
Here's  Penobscot  Bay,  east  and  west,  and  not  an 
opening  to  fit  along  the  mainland,  or  among  the 
islands.  Can  you  see  anything  promising  a  sound 
and  a  cave  ?  " 

"  Not  a  cave  !  It  is  rather  discouraging.  We 
have  nearly  finished  the  Maine  coast." 

"  Perhaps  the  cave  is  a  humbug." 

"  No,  I  don't  believe  that ;  a  drowning  man 
would  not  perpetrate  such  a  fake." 

"  Well ;  perhaps  there  were  not  any  drown- 
ing men  and  sinking  ship,  and  some  person  along 
the  shore  fixed  up  the  message." 

"  Curses  on  him,  if  he  did  !  Such  work  is 
too  villianous  to  suppose.  Here  is  the  eastern 
chart,  Passamaquoddy  Bay  to  Schoodic  Head,  in- 
cluding the  bays  and  Moos-a-bec  Reach." 

"  Pretty  long  stretch  of  wild,  rocky,  beautiful 
coast,  Captain.  I  made  a  cruise  east  and  west  the 
whole  length  one  September,  and  never  had  such 
a  racket  before  in  my  life.  Between  the  head 
winds,  head  tides  and  dense  fogs  every  day,  we 
lost  a  month,  and  came  near  total  wreck  several 
times.  They  say  down-east,  '  the  fog  is  dry  and 
not  unhealthy.'  Pshaw !  you  could  wash  your 
face  in  it.  We  washed  down  decks  with  the 
drippings.  I  swore  I  would  never  go  east  of 
Schoodic  again  unless  to  attack  Halifax." 

They  studied  the  chart  for  some  time  in 
silence.  At  last,  Delano  blurted  out,  "  It's  no 


zoo  THE    SEA    LETTER 

use  !  I  cannot  find  the  combination.  This  busi- 
ness reminds  me  of  working  out  an  enigma  :  We 
find  a  sound  with  an  island  in  the  mouth  of  it,  but 
there  are  not  any  islands  outside  with  a  narrow 
passage  between.  We  find  two  islands  outside 
with  a  narrow  passage  between,  and  there  isn't 
any  island  in  the  mouth  of  the  sound ;  then,  the 
islands  are  all  right,  and  the  sound  turns  out  to  be 
a  bay  or  long  river  —  Let's  give  it  up,  Captain." 

"  Not  until  we  have  finished.  There  doesn't 
seem  to  be  any  place  on  this  chart  to  agree  with 
the  description.  We  have  the  last  chart,  the  Mt. 
Desert  section,  from  Schoodic  Head  to  Naskeag 
Point,  including  Union  Hill  and  Frenchman's  Bays. 
You  have  some  knowledge  of  those  waters  ? " 

"  I  reckon  I  have,  Captain;  I  have  sailed  en- 
tirely around  Mt.  Desert,  and  up  and  down  those 
bays  many  times.  I  have  anchored  in  every  har- 
bor, cove  and  channel,  and  fished  and  sailed  every 
where  there." 

"And  you  don't  happen  to  know  or  see  any 
place  like  the  description  ?" 

"I'm  blessed  if  I  do!" 

"Well,  neither  do  I,  By  Thunder !  " 

"  Too  bad !  too  bad !  I  was  anticipating  such  a 
fine  cruise. " 

"  So  was  I.  You  must  have  had  good  times 
there?" 

"  I  did,  that's  a  fact !  The  winds  are  fierce,  the 
waters  rough,  the  rocks  plenty,  and  summer  re- 


THE    SEA    LETTER  101 

sorts  closed  the  first  of  September,  but  there  is  a 
crispness  in  the  air,  a  brightness  in  the  sunlight,  a 
blueness  in  the  sea,  and  an  excitement  in  avoiding 
dangers  and  battling  with  the  gales  positively  de- 
lightful." 

"You  talk  like  an  old-salt." 

"  I  wish  often  I  was  one ;  I  take  so  much  de- 
light in  adventure  and  danger." 

"Kind  of  mountainous  on  Mt.  Desert  ?" 

"Yes,  they  call  hills,  mountains — they  are  all 
less  than  two  thousand  feet  high.  Splendid  views 
from  the  top  of  Green  Mountain — You  can  see 
blue  water  in  every  direction.  The  inlets  and  is- 
lands are  like  a  map  at  your  feet ;  Eagle  Lake, 
Somes  Sound  and  Southwest  Harbor  shine  far  be- 
low, and  the  vessels  resemble  toy  boats  sailing 
past." 

"Say,  Delano,  let  me  see  that  copy:  'Great 
hole  in  ledge — See  arrows  in  ledge  pointing  to- 
wards it — A  cross  on  face  of  cliff  to  the  north' — 
That  looks  like  ledges  along  shore  and  pretty  high 
land  around." 

"The  shores  are  more  than  half  ledges,  and 
quite  elevated  upon  the  southern  and  eastern  sides." 

"Are  the  harbors  safe  in  all  gales?" 

"Bar  Harbor  is  liable  to  be  rough,  but  South- 
west Harbor  is  comfortable  and  safe.  I  used  to 
anchor  there  and  go  over  to  Bar  Harbor  on  a  buck- 
board.  It  is  a  fine  drive  by  way  of  Somesville 
through  the  mountains. " 


102  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"  It  looks  that  way  on  the  chart.  Isn't  South- 
west rough  in  easterlies  ?  " 

"  Rarely — vessels  have  dragged  ashore  there, 
but  it  is  often  the  skipper's  fault.  He  can  make  a 
lee  if  he  wishes — get  behind  an  island,  run  up 
Somes  Sound,  or  over  to  the  Cranberry  Islands. 
The  last  is  easiest,  and  well  sheltered — with  two 
islands  having  a  narrow  passage  between  them.  " 

"  Hm !  yes ;  five  feet  in  the  shallowest  part  at 
low  tide.  A  vessel  might  get  through  at  high  tide 
all  right." 

"  Surely  !  Fishermen  go  in  and  out  through  it. 
A  schooner  was  caught  inside  of  Baker's  Island, 
with  Little  Cranberry  under  her  lee,  in  a  heavy 
southeast  gale,  and,  when  the  crew  had  given  up  in 
despair,  the  big  seas  lifted  and  carried  her  over  the 
bar  and  up  the  harbor." 

"Up  the  harbor?" 

"  Yes ;  I  suppose  past  Greening's  Island  on 
the  east  side  into  Somes  Sound.  A  nor' west  course 
would  take  her  straight  in.  Don't  you  see  it?" 
said  Delano,  as  he  laid  a  ruler  upon  the  chart  in  the 
direction  of  the  compass  point. 

"But  that  island  lies  in  the  mouth  of  the 
sound.  By  Jupiter !  Delano,  look  at  it ! "  yelled  the 
captain,  as  he  sprang  to  his  feet.  "  'An  island  lies 
in  mouth  of  sound — two  islands  outside  with 
narrow  passage  between' — the  very  description ! " 

Delano  straightened  up,  looked  at  the  captain, 
and  gave  a  sharp  whistle.  The  captain  bent  over 


THE    SEA    LETTER  103 

the  chart,  moved  the  parallel  rulers  again  and  veri- 
fied the  course.  His  hands  trembled,  he  was  as 
eager  as  a  school-boy,  and  could  hardly  believe  his 
senses.  Delano  leaned  upon  the  table  and  watched 
the  operation.  They  looked  at  each  other,  at  the 
chart,  then  at  each  other  again  in  blank  astonish- 
ment. At  last,  Delano  slapped  his  hand  into  the 
captain's  and  they  shook  hands  heartily. 

"Well,  if  we  haven't  been  blind  and  dull!" 
ejaculated  the  captain  scornfully. 

"I  should  say  so!"  replied  Delano.  "Right 
under  our  noses,  and  we  couldn't  see  any  more  than 
a  Mammoth  Cave  bat  in  the  sun. " 

They  were  silent  for  a  few  moments,  then  the 
captain  said,  "It  strikes  me  that  the  sound  is  a 
likely  place  to  hunt  for  the  cave.  How  are  its 
shores?" 

"Ledgy  and  high;  the  mountains  rise  from 
the  shores,  with  here  and  there  a  ravine  and  a  foot- 
hill. The  sound  is  a  narrow  passage  of  deep  blue 
water  between  the  mountains,  where  sudden  gusts 
and  changes  of  wind  make  sailing  dangerous. 
When  I  sailed  up  to  Somesville,  we  were  obliged  to 
dodge  the  mainboom  and  watch  the  sheets  all  the 
time.  The  grand  scenery  and  good  dinners  at  the 
hotel  amply  repaid  us  for  the  perilous  navigation." 

"Where  there  are  mountains,  there  must  be 
cliffs,"  observed  the  captain  dryly,  his  mind  evi- 
dently intent  upon  the  secret  cave. 

"O,  there  are  plenty  of  them." 


104  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"One  cliff  to  the  north  must  have  a  cross  up- 
on it?" 

"Certainly." 

"What  do  you  think  now,  Delano?" 

"Think  now?  I'm  going  to  find  that  cave  be- 
fore snow  flies,  and  you  are  going  to  help  me." 

"Much  obliged — but  you  mean  the  sound?" 

"I  mean  both  cave  and  sound.  The  cave 
must  be  there  or  nowhere." 

"Aye!  aye!  that's  my  idea  too." 

"  Great  Caesar!  it's  two  o'clock." 

"Whew!  what  will  Alice  say?" 

The  captain  rolled  up  the  charts  in  a  jiffy, 
took  them  across  the  hall  to  his  sitting-room,  and 
Delano  went  to  the  hotel  to  dinner.  Both  men 
were  highly  elated  over  the  result  of  their  morn- 
ing's work. 


CHAPTER     VIII 


A  large  steamboat  came  to  the  wharf  at  the 
foot  of  the  hill  one  morning,  crowded  with  people 
from  adjacent  resorts,  and  bound  upon  an  excursion 
to  Gay  Head.  The  friends  could  not  resist  the 
bright  flags  and  the  music  of  the  band,  and  joined 
the  throng  upon  the  upper  deck.  Jack  staggered 
after  them  loaded  with  bundles  and  parasols,  and 
said,  "  If  I'm  to  be  pack-mule,  I'll  have  to  have  a 
cinch."  The  harbor  lay  in  a  fleecy  mist  and  the 
sea  sparkled  and  foamed  in  the  steamer's  wake.  A 
cloud  of  vessels  was  going  over  Nantucket  Shoals, 
and  a  cluster  of  tide-bound  sails  filled  Tarpaulin 
Cove.  The  chops  were  yellow  and  green,  and  a 
lot  of  "old  hookers"  lay  at  anchor  between  the 
boat  and  the  distant  bridge.  Falmouth  Heights 
loomed  up  across  the  sound  and  a  train  with  a  trail 
of  smoke  was  running  from  Woods  Hole  to  Nobska; 
the  morning  boat  was  entering  Buzzards  Bay,  near 
Naushon;  and  the  broad  sound  was  dotted  with 
sail.  Mackonnoky,  Lambert's  Cove,  Paint  Mill, 
Roaring  Brook,  and  Menem sha  Bight,  with  it's  jet- 


106  THE    SEA   LETTER 

ties  and  boat-harbor,  were  passed  rapidly,  and  the 
bold  cliffs  of  Gay  Head  were  viewed  from  the  west, 
care  being  taken  to  avoid  Devil's  Bridge,  the  reef 
where  the  Columbus  foundered.  The  western  face 
of  the  Head  had  been  eroded  by  the  sea  and  brick- 
makers,  and  strata  of  different  colored  clay  were 
seen  running  diagonally  across  it  to  the  shore. 
There  were  bands  of  white,  buff,  drab,  blue,  terra- 
cotta and  brick-red ;  dull  in  tone,  but  sufficiently 
distinct  and  contrasted  to  give  a  gay  appearance  to 
the  bluffs  a  mile  distant.  Many  persons  believe 
there  is  gross  exaggeration  in  reports  about  these 
colors,  but  they  are  there  to  astonish  and  convince 
the  visitor.  Fossils  have  been  uncovered  during 
excavations.  The  high  bluffs  and  light-house 
stand  at  the  entrance  to  the  sound,  which  is  a  thor- 
oughfare for  vessels  going  east  and  west. 

The  excursionists  landed  at  the  wharf  and 
many  persons  rode  up  the  hill  in  ox-teams  driven 
by  Indians. 

"  Are  these  real  aborigines  ? "  asked  Gab- 
rielle  quietly. 

"  They  are  descendants  of  the  Algonquins," 
answered  Mac.  "<Lo!  the  poor  Indian'  has 
gone,  and  coffee-colored  faces  look  out  of  huts, 
where  bric-a-brac  and  refreshments  are  sold,  and 
the  crowd  is  rushing  before  looking  at  the 
scenery.  There  to  the  east  by  Lake  Squipnocket 
lived  Pohoganot  and  Campeechee.  There  were 
in  Gay  Head,  in  1642,  about  three  thousand  pure- 


THE    SEA    LETTER  107 

blooded  Indians,  and  small  tribes  were  scattered 
over  the  island.  Gay  Head  village  had  decreased 
to  about  three  hundred  persons,  in  1764,  and  now 
only  a  few  individuals  remain,  and  their  language 
and  traditions  are  lost  to  them.  These  relics  of  a 
proud  race  have  inherited  some  of  the  land  of  the 
reservation,  which  was  relinquished  by  the  State 
in  1856,  and  fishing,  hunting  and  farming  are 
continued  as  in  the  olden  times." 

"  I  do  not  wonder  at  their  decadence,"  re- 
marked Thompson.  "  The  place  is  treeless,  rocky 
and  infertile ;  swept  by  fierce  gales ;  washed  by 
violent  seas ;  destitute  of  harbors ;  remote  from 
settlements,  and  difficult  of  access  by  land  and 
sea.  But  it  is  wild,  picturesque  and  grand  in  its 
scenery  and  isolation,  and  I  am  very  glad  we  came 
hither  to-day." 

"  And  so  am  I,"  declared  Vic ;  "  and  stand- 
ing here  1 74  feet  above  the  sea,  the  world  appears 
very  large." 

"  What  is  the  reason  the  Indians  are  nearly 
all  gone  ? "  asked  Laura  timidly  of  a  very  old  man 
near  by,  who  had  marked  Indian  characteristics. 

"Wall,"  he  replied  in  Yankee  vernacular," 
"  you  see  the  young  men  went  whaling  as  soon  as 
they  could  pull  an  oar,  and  few  came  back.  They 
cut  their  teeth  on  sea-shells  and  were  weaned  on 
hardtack,  and  it  was  natural  for  them  to  go  to  sea, 
as  for  ducks  to  take  to  the  water.  This  is  a  sea- 
faring country,  as  you'll  learn  by  looking  at  the 


io8  THE    SEA  LETTER 

fish,  whale  and  vessel  weather-vanes  on  the  barns 
about  the  island,  Miss.  " 

"  One  Indian  came  back  though ;  Epanaw 
was  his  name  ;  he  was  carried  to  England  against 
his  will.  He  told  the  Englishmen  there  was  a 
gold  mine  on  the  island,  and  they  bought  him  in  a 
ship  to  find  it.  He  swam  ashore  the  first  dark 
night,  and  they  carried  back  sassafras  root  instead 
of  the  precious  metal." 

The  old  man  chuckled,  and  his  hearers 
laughed. 

"  Conversion  didn't  agree  with  our  tribe 
neither.  Mayhew  converted  Hiacoomes,  who  told 
him,  'White  man  raise  more  corn,  catch  more 
fish,  and  live  in  better  houses  than  Indian,  who 
has  many  gods.  Me  want  to  know  the  true  God.' 
Others  became  Christians  from  fear  of  small-pox, 
and  through  observation  of  the  humane  acts  of 
believers,"  continued  the  octogenarian,  who  had 
known  Hetty  Ames,  the  last  island  Queen,  but 
could  not  recall  any  of  the  language  or  traditions 
of  his  people. 

This  was  a  great  disappointment  to  Gabrielle, 
who  had  hoped  to  gather  material  for  a  romance, 
but  Delano  reminded  her  that  Porte  Crayon  had 
had  the  same  experience  in  1 860. 

"  There  is  No  Man's  Land,"  said  Mac,  point- 
ing to  a  flat  blur  upon  the  water  southward. 

"  How  far  away  is  it  ? "  asked  Vic. 


THE    SEA    LETTER  109 

"  Six  miles  from  here  ;  it  has  only  one  family 
living  upon  it." 

"  It  is  too  lonesome  a  place  for  me,"  said 
May. 

11  The  other  excursionists  had  scattered  over 
the  hillsides,  looked  at  the  scenery,  and  found 
nooks  and  shade  where  they  could  picnic.  The 
friends  sat  in  the  shadow  of  the  light-house  and  ate 
their  luncheon.  Helen,  who  had  said  little  during 
the  trip,  related  the  'Legend  of  Maushope,  the 
Giant  of  Gay  Head.' 

"  In  ages  far  remote,  many  children  on  Cape 
Cod  were  seized  by  a  monstrous  bird  and  carried 
away  to  the  southwest  never  to  return.  A  mighty 
Indian  giant,  named  Maushope,  familiarly  called 
Old  Squant,  who  could  wade  up  and  down  Vine- 
yard Sound  without  wetting  his  knees,  followed 
the  bird  one  day  after  he  had  seized  a  promising 
papoose,  and  saw  him  alight  upon  the  island  of 
Capawock  near  Gay  Head.  He  arrived  too  late  to 
rescue  the  infant,  but  found  his  bones  added  to  a 
great  pile  upon  the  cliff.  He  remained  the  guar- 
dian genius,  the  ruler  over  good  and  evil  spirits 
around  Gay  Head.  He  lived  in  the  cave  called 
Devil's  Den  and  washed  his  milk  pails  in  the 
stream,  which  has  remained  white  until  the  pres- 
ent time.  He  taught  the  Indians  how  to  trap  the 
wily  beaver,  to  snare  wild  birds,  to  gather  shell- 
fish and  to  catch  scale  fish  in  the  sea. 


fio  THE   SEA    LETTER 

"  He  was  often  seen  in  the  dusk  of  the  even- 
ing, wearing  a  cloudy  night-cap,  sitting  upon  the 
highest  cliff  of  Gay  Head  fishing  for  whales,  which 
he  cooked  in  great  fires  made  of  pine  and  oak  trees 
that  he  pulled  up  by  the  roots.  So  great  was  his 
size  and  enormous  his  appetite,  that  it  is  said,  he 
cooked  and  ate  a  whole  whale  for  breakfast. 

"He  sat  down  upon  a  boulder  in  the  Sound  to 
rest,  filled  his  pipe  with  Hellebore  and  smoked  so 
furiously  that  great  clouds  enveloped  the  islands 
and  made  heavy  fogs,  which  spread  along  the 
coast  and  shrouded  the  fishermen  and  the  land  in 
dangerous  gloom.  When  fog-banks  form  and  be- 
gin to  creep  over  the  landscape,  you  will  hear  the 
Islanders  say,  'There  comes  some  of  Old  Squant's 
smoke  ;  he  seems  to  delight  in  befogging  poor  sail- 
ors.' 

"  When  he  emptied  his  pipe,  the  ashes  were 
carried  by  the  ocean  currents  and  formed  the  island 
of  Nantucket,  which  accounts  for  its  poverty  of  soil 
and  sleepy  appearance. 

"  Becoming  tired  of  his  contracted  kingdom, 
he  undertook  to  build  a  bridge  across  the  Sound  to 
Cuttyhunk.  He  gathered  boulders  from  the  oppo- 
site shores  ;  brought  them  with  great  labor  through 
currents  and  seas,  and  placed  them  in  proper  posi- 
tion, expecting  to  fill  in  with  island  soil.  He  re- 
moved his  shoe,  filled  it  with  earth  and  walked  bare- 
foot out  in  the  water.  He  had  deposited  his  first 
load,  which  was  taken  from  near  the  Head  and 


THE    SEA    LETTER  in 

caused  a  great  depression,  five  hundred  feet  across 
and  one  hundred  feet  deep,  and  was  returning  to  the 
shore,  when  an  inquisitive  crab  bit  him  upon  his  toe. 

"  This  insult  put  him  in  a  terrible  rage.  He 
abandoned  his  project ;  tore  off  a  fragment  of  a 
cliff  and  threw  it  to  the  southward,  forming  No 
Man's  Land  ;  cast  his  five  children  into  the  sea  and 
changed  them  into  fish,  and,  when  his  wife  object- 
ed, flung  her  across  to  Sekonnet  Point,  where  she 
preyed  upon  passing  sailors  and  may  still  be  recog- 
nized as  a  shattered  boulder.  He  disappeared  one 
day  during  a  hurricane  of  lightning,  thunder  and 
hail,  and  left  the  island  in  possession  of  the  mis- 
sionaries. 

"The  deposit  of  lignite  where  he  built  his  fires, 
the  great  valley  between  the  bluffs,  and  the  Devil's 
Bridge,  attest  the  truth  of  this  Indian  legend." 

Helen  was  complimented  for  the  recitation, 
and  Sanders  declared  it  was  a  proper  spot  for  such 
a  story  though  the  Indians  were  somewhat  miscel- 
laneous. 

"  How  one  misses  trees  in  the  landscape,"  re- 
marked Wilson,  "  These  hills  are  only  sheep  pas- 
tures, and  the  region  has  been  pauperized  by  ignor- 
ance and  avarice." 

"  You  are  right,"  said  Mac.  "  Trees  that  have 
been  growing  centuries  should  not  be  sacrificed 
for  a  dollar  or  two.  How  delightful  the  forest  roads 
around  Chappaquonset  and  Solitude !  How  sweet 
the  evening  shadows  of  the  shell-road  ! " 


112  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"How  are  the  roads  from  here  to  the  Haven?" 
asked  Laura. 

"Good  enough  by  the  middle  road  to  Squip- 
nocket,  then  turn  left  through  the  beautiful  valley 
of  Chilmark,  or  go  by  way  of  West  Tisbury. 
You  pass  Peaked  Hill,  311  feet  high,  the  highest 
point  of  the  island ;  Prospect  Hill,  and  Indian  Hill, 
and  go  through  Middleto  wn,  "Mac  replied  promptly. 

He  had  explored  every  part  of  the  island  the 
previous  summer. 

"  We  will  be  too  tired  to  hear  the  band  con- 
cert to-night,"  uttered  Flossie  dolefully. 

"  You  don't  generally  hear  much  of  it,"  said 
Atkins  sarcastically. 

"Why  not,  sir?" 

1 '  I  don't  like  to  tell  you. " 

"Yes,  do  !  Why  do  you  make  such  a  remark  ? " 

"Well,  when  the  band  begins  to  play,  you  all 
begin  to  talk,  and  the  louder  and  faster  it  plays, 
the  louder  and  faster  you  talk ;  then  the  children 
romp  noisily  round  the  stand,  sail  boats,  drag  wa- 
gons and  quarrel ;  and  their  mothers  yell  at  them 
and  they  yell  back,  and  the  men  discuss  every- 
thing from  a  woman's  style  to  regulation  of  the 
trusts." 

"  Mercy !  stop !  what  a  horrid  man  you  are ! 
As  if  we  did  not  come  here  to  enjoy  ourselves.  " 

"  You  enjoy  other  things  better  than  the  real- 
ly superior  music." 

"O,  we  get  too  much  of  it.  " 


THE    SEA    LETTER  113 

"  Then  ramble  somewhere  else  and  give  others 
a  chance." 

"Suppose  we  do — we  aren't  the  multitude.  " 

"That's  it,  Miss  Hastings,"  interrupted  Mac; 
"Atkins  expects  to^  regulate  the  park  mob  by  inter- 
fering with  the  rights  of  a  few  young  ladies. 
Nothing  except  a  discharge  of  grape  and  cannister 
would  ever  still  that  noisy  assembly.  " 

Florence  showed  her  gratitude,  and  everyone 
except  Atkins  laughed. 

A  shrill  whistle  echoed  around  the  bluffs. 
The  hillsides  became  quickly  alive  with  people, 
hastening  to  the  steamboat  to  get  good  seats,  and 
the  friends  were  in  the  thickest  of  the  fray.  It  was 
a  cool  and  pleasant  sail  homeward,  though  children 
daubed  their  clothes  and  the  boat  with  the  plastic 
colored  clay,  and  men  drank  beer. 

As  they  rested  at  the  top  of  the  hill,  they 
were  delighted  by  the  beautiful  scene  before  them. 
A  wet  finger  held  up  barely  indicated  a  faint 
breath  of  air  from  the  southwest ;  the  sails  hung 
limp  and  wrinkled,  and  the  vessels,  wharves  and 
shores  were  reflected  in  purple  etchings  by  the 
glassy  water.  The  setting  sun  looked  like  crim- 
son velvet;  the  clouds  were  in  banks  and  bands  of 
rose,  salmon-pink  and  baby-blue,  shaded  into  marine, 
purple  and  orange ;  gray  feathers  blended  with 
sheets  of  pearl,  green,  buff  and  violet ;  rays  of  fire 
and  gold  flared  between  leaden  masses;  colorless 
rays  drew  water  ;  and  the  sky  half  way  to  the  ze- 


H4  THE    SEA    LETTER 

nith  was  full  of  colors  mixed  and  blended  in  such  a 
extravagant  way,  as  would  bankrupt  a  palette  and 
destroy  any  artist's  reputation  who  copied  it. 

"  Mamma  is  always  talking  about  Italian  sun- 
sets; how  could  they  surpass  this?"  gushed  Laura, 
and  her  eyes  shone  with  the  brightness  of  youth 
and  health. 

"Heaven  and  earth  are  full  of  Thy  glory !" 
said  Delano  reverently,  as  he  gaztd  from  the  sky 
to  sea  and  then  into  Laura's  eyes. 

"What  is  up  now?"  shouted  Sanders  from 
the  rear. 

"  Looking  at  the  sunset, "  replied  Mac. 

"Well,  sunsets  are  rather  common — what  about 


supper 


"  There  is  time  enough  for  both,  you  unroman- 
tic  fellow, "  said  Atkins. 

"  Everything  is  harmonious,  peaceful  and  love- 
ly," observed  Thompson,  looking  around  the  Hav- 
en and  then  at  Gabrielle. 

"  What  a  pretty  etching  the  old  wharf  with  its 
buoys  and  anchors  would  make  !"  exclaimed  Helen. 

"  Miss  Dodge  might  get  some  new  colors  out 
of  the  sky,"  remarked  Vic. 

"There  comes  the  evening  boat  with  the  Bos- 
ton crowd  and  the-  newspapers,"  cried  Laura, 
pointing  across  the  Sound. 

Delano  looked  at  the  boat  and  her  delicate 
hand  and  noticed  the  peculiar  bracelet  upon  her 
wrist,  the  golden  serpent  with  ruby  eyes  and  min- 


o 


THE    SEA    LETTER  115 

ute  scales,  enamelled  in  gray,  yellow,  brown  and 
black. 

"  I  should  think  you  would  shudder  at  the  red 
eyes  and  glittering  scales  of  your  bracelet, "  said  he, 
with  a  shrug  of  his  shoulders. 

"  O,  no  ;  I  wouldn't  if  it  were  a  real  snake.  I 
like  snakes  and  all  the  animals,"  she  replied. 

"  I  see  lots  of  smoke  from  the  hotel  chimneys 
and  supper  must  be  ready,"  shouted  Sanders, 
interrupting  a  quiet  conversation  between  Gab- 
rielle  and  Thompson. 

"  Ise  right  smart  hungry  myself,  Mr. 
Sanders,"  mumbled  Jack  just  behind  him. 

The  party  went  to  the  hotel  and  its  members 
disappeared  to  use  lotions  and  cosmetics  for 
sunburn. 


CHAPTER    IX. 

One  morning  Sanders  rushed  into  the  group 
of  summer  girls  upon  the  piazza,  and  shouted, 
"  They  are  coming !  the  morning  papers  are  full 
of  it !  The  New  York  Yacht  Club  started  yester- 
day for  New  London,  and  will  be  here  the  last  of 
the  week.  Listen  to  this,"  and  he  read  the  pro- 
gram of  events. 

A  ripple  of  excitement  ran  along  the  piazza, 
and  the  girls  began  to  chatter  about  what  they 
should  wear  and  the  other  details  of  a  marine 
excursion.  The  wind  and  the  tide  were  unfavora- 
ble Thursday,  and  it  was  5  p.  m.  before  the 
racers  began  to  arrive,  though  small  steamers 
and  slow  sailers  had  been  straggling  in  all  day. 
All  the  fleet  had  arrived  before  dark,  and  the 
scenes  were  indescribable,  as  the  vessels  moved 
in  between  the  green  banks  of  the  harbor  and 
threaded  their  way  to  the  anchorage.  The  shores 
were  covered  with  people ;  the  Haven  held  over 
two  hundred  yachts  ;  and  pleasure  boats  of  every 
size  and  character  filled  the  intervals  between  the 
larger  craft,  so  that  movements  had  to  be  care- 


THE    SEA    LETTER  117 

fully  made  to  avoid  collision.  Our  summer  girls 
and  their  escorts  were  comfortably  seated  in  the 
capacious  cat-boat  Windermere,  and  her  captain 
sailed  her  through  the  fleet  systematically  from 
without  inwards,  permitting  everyone  on  board  to 
see  the  yachts  as  thoroughly  as  possible  with- 
out boarding  them.  The  floating  palaces  of  mil- 
lionaires, the  medium-sized  racers,  the  plump 
family  craft  with  no  pretentions  to  speed,  the 
lanky  schooners,  the  overgrown  cutters  and  the 
stake-boats,  were  inspected,  criticised  and  admired, 
as  the  handy  cat  ran  rapidly  in  and  out,  beside 
and  around  them  under  the  skipper's  skilful  man- 
agement. 

The  large  steamers  moved  with  all  the 
steadiness  and  irresistible  force  of  an  iceberg ; 
the  small  ones  darted  into  the  harbor  like  an 
arrow  from  a  bow ;  and  the  racing  schooners  and 
cutters  rushed  past  like  an  avalanch,  clouded  to 
the  sky  with  balloon  sails,  their  men  lying  flat  up- 
on deck  with  heads  next  the  weather  rail,  and 
the  helmsman  erect,  alert  and  active.  It  was 
astonishing  to  see  those  prostrate  men  spring  to 
their  stations  and  haul  down  and  smother  acres  of 
canvas,  when  the  vessels  crossed  the  line  and 
made  ready  for  anchoring.  Everywhere  in  the 
harbor  was  change  and  maneuvering  of  beautiful 
craft.  The  Judges'  Boat  and  others  not  in  the 
races  were  enlivened  by  groups  of  ladies,  in 
yachting  caps  and  blue-braided  white  suits,  who 


ii8  THE    SEA    LETTER 

talked  of  yachts  and  racing,  as  knowingly,  as  the 
haut  ton  discuss  horses  at  the  Horse  Show. 

Evening  approached  ;  lanterns  were  hung  up 
in  the  rigging ;  launches  plied  rapidly  between 
ship  and  shore ;  the  New  York  Yacht  Club  Sta- 
tion was  illuminated  and  filled  by  club-men  and 
their  guests ;  the  landing  stage  was  surrounded 
by  boats,  manned  by  blue-uniformed  sailors  ;  the 
harbor  boats  cleared  the  spaces  between  the 
vessels,  landed  their  loads  of  delighted  humanity 
and  moored  in  safe  places,  and  the  boatswains 
piped  to  supper. 

A  strong  sou'wester  raged  next  day,  and  the 
time  was  devoted  to  exchanging  calls  between 
the  yachtsmen  and  friends  on  shore  and  on  board. 
Delano  and  Doctor  Kenelm  dined  with  the  cap- 
tain of  the  Doreen,  and  dinner-parties  on  board 
other  yachts  and  at  the  hotels  were  quite  numerous. 
Many  shore  people  crowded  the  wharves  and  banks 
and  spent  the  day  watching  and  studying  the 
beautiful  vessels  with  glasses.  The  white,  swan- 
like  bodies  upon  the  blue  water;  the  gay  bunting 
displayed  all  over  the  crafts  from  deck  to  truck  and 
bowsprit  end  to  boom  end ;  the  delicate  tracery  of 
ropes  and  spars,  and  the  groups  of  blue-jackets 
and  uniformed  officers  and  ladies,  composed  a 
picture  of  rare  elements  and  extraordinary  attrac- 
tion. 

Our  summer  girls  and  their  friends  assembled 
upon  the  piazza  after  supper  to  see  the  illumina- 


THE    SEA    LETTER  li$ 

tion  of  the  fleet.  Electric  lights  of  many  colors 
were  hung  from  bowsprit  to  truck,  from  mast  to 
mast,  from  truck  to  taffrail,  along  the  yards,  down 
the  masts  and  around  the  rails.  The  vessels  were 
thus  outlined  by  yellow,  blue,  green  and  red  lights, 
which  flashed  and  changed  in  hue  every  few  min- 
utes. But  Yankees  stop  only  at  the  impossible. 
As  if  this  were  not  enough,  white,  green  and  red 
fires  were  burned  at  bow,  waist  and  stern ;  Roman 
candles  and  bombs  were  constantly  blazing  and 
shooting,  and  rockets  of  many  colors  sought  the 
stars  in  the  empyrean  blue.  The  houses,  streets, 
wharves  and  shores  were  solid  banks  of  people, 
now  in  darkness,  now  illuminated  and  looking  like 
beds  of  flowers.  The  bands  gave  concerts  upon 
either  shore,  and  the  music  trickled  through  the 
social  talk,  the  laughter  and  applause  of  the  multi- 
tude. Many  yachtsmen,  accompanied  by  their 
guests  and  ladies,  came  ashore  during  the  evening, 
and  nautical  talk  was  heard  everywhere.  Man  may 
seek  from  Venice  to  Cairo  and  up  and  down  the 
world,  and  never  find  so  beautiful,  so  glorious  a 
scene,  as  the  New  York  Yacht  ^Club  and  its 
splendid  annual  illumination. 

The  Hop  given  to  the  Yacht  Club  was  the 
great  event  of  the  season.  The  musicians  began 
to  play  at  8  o'clock,  and  the  ballroom  floor  was 
filled  by  nine.  Gabrielle  was  an  active  manager, 
a  gleam  of  loveliness,  everywhere.  She  wore  a 
flowered  organdie  over  moonlight  satin,  and  moved 


120  THE    SEA     LETTER 

gracefully  among  the  guests  unconscious  of  their 
ardent  glances  and  exclamations  of  admiration. 

"I  am  delighted  you  singing  birds  have  flitted 
over  the  water,"  she  said  to  a  party  from  the  mu- 
sical colony  and  Villa  Carita,  in  a  valley  opposite. 

"We  are  happy  to  aid  you  in  entertaining  our 
mutual  New  York  friends,  and  to  repay  you  for 
your  enthusiasm  over  our  musicals  and  village  con- 
certs," replied  Miss  Berton. 

"Is  the  professor  here  to-night?" 

"  Of  course.  He  dances  as  well  as  he  sings, 
and  you'll  not  find  a  more  gracious  cavalier. " 

Gabrielle  turned  to  greet  Miss  Marie  Borrow. 
"And  has  the  smell  of  whale  oil,  or  the  constant 
ocean  roar,  driven  you  away  from  Green  Harbor 
and  the  hill  this  evening?"  she  asked,  as  she  greet- 
ed her  Edgartown  friend. 

"  Do  people  flee  from  Elysium  to  a  barbarous 
shore  for  aught  save  soul  sympathy  ?  Thou  art  so 
near  and  yet  so  far,  I  hunger  much  ere  I  brave  the 
windy  road  by  the  shore  for  a  time  with  thee,"  re- 
plied Miss  Borrow. 

"Where  is  the  man,  whom  fate  tried  to  ex- 
tinguish by  a  common  name?"  asked  Delano. 

"  He  is  talking  with  Lieutenant  Ferguson  about 
the  new  play,  the  'Captain's  Prize,'  and  smiling  at 
us  through  the  lace  curtains.  " 

Laura  was  an  able  assistant.  She  wore  a  pink 
silk  topped  off  with  creamy  chiffon,  and  had  white 
roses  upon  her  corsage.  Her  cheeks  were  red,  her 


THE    SEA    LETTER  121 

eyes  sparkled,  and  her  movements  were  full  of 
girlish  grace.  When  Thompson  sought  her  for  a 
quadrille,  she  said,  "No,  thanks!  you  take  that 
wall-flower  by  the  piano;  she  hasn't  been  up  for 
two  numbers." 

A  bevy  of  beauties  was  there  from  the  Haven 
and  West  Tisbury,  and  Flossie  and  May  greeted  and 
guided  them.  A  group  of  West  Chop  ladies  chat- 
ted with  Cottage  City  belles  and  sunbrowned  cap- 
tains near  the  door.  Officers  of  the  Government 
service  in  brilliant  uniforms,  yachtsmen  in  white 
duck  and  gold  lace,  and  civilians  in  the  conven- 
tional swallow-tails,  were  floating  among  clouds  of 
silk,  satin  and  mousseline  de  soie. 

Who  can  fitly  describe  the  splendor  of  a  fash- 
ionable hop  ?  where, 

"  Soft  eyes  looked  love  to  eyes  which  spake  again, 
And    all    went    merry    as    a    marriage    bell." 

No  sound  of  distant  strife  broke  on  the  start- 
led ear.  The  gentle  breeze  waved  the  lace  cur- 
tains at  the  windows,  and  cooled  the  cheeks  of 
beauty.  The  rubbing  of  chiffon  and  gauze,  the 
rustle  of  organdie  and  challie,  the  swish  and  crackle 
of  silk,  the  soft  purring  of  satin,  the  calls  of  the 
director,  the  patter  of  feet,  the  murmuring  speech, 
the  light  laughter,  the  delicious  tones  of  the  music ; 
all,  mingled  harmoniously  and  intoxicated  the 
senses. 


122  THE    SEA    LETTER 

The  gentle  swaying  of  lovely  forms,  the  mag- 
netic touch  of  hands,  the  hide  and  seek  of  slippers, 
the  flowers,  perfumes,  powder,  jewels,  glowing 
cheeks  and  brilliant  eyes,  delighted  and  bewildered 
the  throng,  and  made  many  a  heart  palpitate  with 
joy  and  love. 

Some  of  the  dancers  promenaded  the  hall  and 
piazzas  in  the  intermission,  and  indulged  in  com- 
pliments, questions  and  bandinage.  Others  seat- 
ed themselves  in  remote  corners  and  exchanged 
those  sweet  nothings,  which  make  up  much  of  lov- 
ers' heavenly  intercourse.  When  the  moon  had 
waned,  the  pleasure  flagged,  the  dancers  tired,  and 
the  distant  visitors  begun  to  withdraw;  the  small 
parlor  was  thrown  open  and  seen  to  be  full  of  little 
tables,  decked  with  flowers,  and  having  chairs  for 
two  or  four.  Then  the  guests  gathered  there,  con- 
tinued their  small  talk  and  confidences,  exchanged 
home  and  seaside  news,  cultivated  new  acquaint- 
ances, and,  between  the  tid-bits,  made  engage- 
ments for  future  enjoyment,  while  they  were  served 
by  the  house-waiters  under  the  chef  with  an  excel- 
lent supper.  Not  an  olive  was  soft,  not  a  lettuce 
leaf  was  unwashed,  not  an  oyster  held  a  worm; 
the  chicken  of  the  salad  was  youthful,  the  olive-oil 
was  fresh  and  sweet,  the  sandwiches  had  a  reason- 
able quantity  of  butter,  and  not  a  dress  was  spot- 
ted or  smeared. 

The  piazzas  were  crowded  with  visitors  from 
cottages  and  hotels.  Some  ladies  who  thought 


THE    SEA    LETTER  123 

dancing  a  sin  filled  up  one  end  where  they  could 
not  hear  much  of  the  wicked  dance  music.  Some 
elderly  men  looked  at  the  dancers  awhile  and  wish- 
ed themselves  young  again ;  and  the  function  was 
a  grand  success. 

Business  was  lax  in  the  office,  the  clerks  were 
among  the  guests,  the  boy  of  the  newsstand  was 
near  the  band,  the  bell-boys  were  drowsy,  and  the 
airy,  fairy  typewriter  had  shut  up  shop. 

The  dancers  went  through  the  gentle,  stately 
movements  of  the  minuet;  great  applause  arose 
from  the  crowd;  the  band-men  packed  up  their 
music  and  instruments,  and  the  hop  ended  as  the 
stars  were  fading.  When  late  sleepers  came  to 
breakfast,  the  greater  part  of  the  fleet  of  yachts 
had  sailed  for  Newport. 

There  were  few  bathers  next  morning  and 
the  people  did  not  gather  upon  the  piazza  until  after 
dinner,  when  compliments  and  congratulations 
were  exchanged  quite  freely.  Sanders  said  the 
civilians  at  the  hop  resembled  a  lot  of  bluebottle 
flies.  Lieutenant  Ferguson  declared  he  had  never 
attended  a  more  enjoyable  hop,  not  even  in  Wash- 
ington. 

"That  is  because  Miss  Palmer  managed  it," 
said  Thompson. 

"And  Miss  Conant  assisted,"  added  Delano. 

"There  were  no  permanent  wall-flowers. 
Hosts  of  partners  were  introduced  by  them  and  all 
made  happy,  "  remarked  Atkins. 


124  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"I  saw  some  coquetting,"  said  Mac,  looking 
at  Flossie  reproachfully.  "Some  young  ladies 
were  dazzled  by  shoulder  straps  and  almost  monop- 
olized." 

"It  was  a  golden  opportunity  of  a  not  very 
lively  season,"  replied  Flossie. 

"It  was  ever  thus,"  sighed  Wilson.  "Plain 
broadcloth  retires  before  the  blue  and  gold  of 
Uncle  Sam. " 

"  I  like  white  and  gold  better,  and  found 
many  friends  among  the  yachtsmen, "  remarked 
Vic  with  spirit. 

"  Laura  looked  very  sweet  in  chiffon  and  silk, 
Mrs.  Conant,  and  I  am  sure  she  made  several  con- 
quests,"  observed  Helen. 

"  Why  Helen  !  and  the  child  has  hardly  come 
out  yet.  " 

"  How  blind  you  are  !  She  is  a  lovely  woman 
now,  and  her  card  was  full  very  early.  I  had 
several  vacant  places,  but  I  expect  it  always  be- 
cause I'm  such  a  bluestocking.  " 

"  Nonsense  !  You  never  looked  better.  Your 
gray  silk  and  pink  roses  were  in  excellent  taste. " 

"Didn't  I  see  Mr.  Conant  in  a  window?" 
asked  Delano. 

"  Yes,  but  he  ran  away  by  early  boat,  "  was 
the  reply. 

"  Too  bad  !  I  wished  to  speak  with  him.  " 

"  He  will  be  down  again  over  Sunday. " 


THE    SEA    LETTER  125 

"The  Innisfail  delegation  didn't  remain  long," 
said  Thompson,  looking  inquiringly  at  Gabrielle. 

"  No ;  they  prefer  to  float  around  the  bluffs  of 
Oklahoma,  paddle  their  canoes  upon  the  moonlight 
surface  of  Lake  Waquataqua,  and  sing  boating 
and  love  songs,  rather  than  to  dance  with  the  elite," 
she  explained. 

"Another  musical  colony?"  asked  the  Lieu- 
tenant. 

"  Yes,  a  little  kingdom  of  artists  under  the 
beneficent  rule  of  Karl  VI,  whose  subjects  cast 
their  lyric  honors  at  his  feet  and  strive  for  perfec- 
tion. The  Vineyard  air  is  thought  by  professional 
singers  to  clear  the  tones  and  strengthen  the 
voice." 

"  O,  let  us  go  canoeing  and  hear  the  love 
songs  !  "  cried  Flossie  excitedly. 

"We  will  consider  your  proposition  later," 
said  Mac  coolly. 

"  The  captain  of  the  Ortega  says, '  The  arctic 
current  runs  past  Nantucket  and  towards  Long 
Island  and  New  Jersey,  and  causes  eddies  along 
the  South  Beach,  which  probably  brought  the 
bottle  and  sea  letter  from  the  edge  of  the  Gulf 
Stream  to  Capawock,'  "  said  Delano. 

"  What  did  he  think  about  its  being  a  gen- 
uine sea  message  ? "  asked  Atkins. 

"  He  said,  '  The  foreign  language  and  the 
material  used  in  stopping  the  bottle  are  strong 


126  THE    SEA    LETTER 

proofs  of  its  not  being  a  fake,'  thus  agreeing  with 
the  old  captain." 

"  I  do  not  see  any  profit  in  speculating  about 
it.  Further  evidence  is  in  the  bottom  of  the  sea," 
declared  Atkins. 

"  One  never  knows  what  may  happen," 
answered  Delano. 

"  I  suppose  our  yesterday's  guests  are  now 
romping  over  the  deep  sea  towards  Bar  Harbor 
and  Newport.  How  I  should  like  to  own  a 
yacht !  "  remarked  Laura  fervently. 

"  Then  marry  a  yachtsman,  my  dear,  and 
make  a  condition  you  shall  have  one  for  a  wed- 
ding present,"  advised  Gabrielle. 

"  Our  guests  are  probably  '  taking  an  obser- 
vation '  through  the  bottom  of  a  glass  about  this 
time,  though  they  know  '  where  they  are  at,'  " 
observed  Sanders. 

There  was  another  hop  given  by  the  children 
Saturday  afternoon,  and  it  was  a  unique  scene 
when  the  little  men  and  women  sang  "  Mother 
Goose  Melodies"  and  danced  to  their  music.  Each 
song  was  greeted  with  great  applause,  and  the 
little  folks  were  petted  and  praised.  A  good  sup- 
per was  served  the  dancers  in  the  ordinary  at  six 
o'clock ;  they  played  along  the  piazzas  until  eight, 
and  then  disappeared  to  dreamless  sleep  or  dreams 
of  happy  days. 

Laura  had  been  busy  fixing  hair,  tying  rib- 


THE    SEA    LETTER  127 

bons,  and  straightening  out  tangles  in  the  figures, 
and  retired  early  to  her  room. 

It  was  evident  to  Laura's  friends  that  she  was 
not  as  recklessly  gay  and  thoughtless  as  she  had 
been  at  the  beginning  of  the  season.  There  were 
times  now,  when  she  was  caught  with  sober  face 
and  thoughtful  mien. 

She  looked  in  the  glass  as  she  was  undress- 
ing and  said,  "  Laura  Conant,  you  are  getting  old  ; 
I  see  some  wrinkles  about  your  eyes.  You  are 
not  bad  looking,  but  haven't  much  sense.  Here 
you  are  nearly  twenty  and  not  engaged  yet.  You 
don't  intend  to  remain  with  your  mother  always, 
do  you  ?  What  are  you  going  to  do  about  it  ? " 

Then  she  put  some  cocoa  butter  on  her  face 
and  proceeded  to  rub  it  in  well  with  her  fingers 
and  a  piece  of  linen. 

"  You  are  old  enough  to  have  a  genuine 
attachment,  and  some  man  to  pay  you  particular 
attention.  Some  fellow  ought  to  propose  to  you 
this  summer.  It  would  be  awful  to  go  home  with- 
out a  single  conquest.  There's  Flossie,  and  Vic, 
and  May,  all — um — spoken  for — in  love — I  sup- 
pose." 

She  pinched  and  rubbed  and  pulled  the  little 
lines  in  the  delicate  skin  around  the  eyes  and  brow, 
caused  by  squinting  against  the  sun  and  the  glare 
of  the  water,  and  turned  her  eyes  into  the  corners 
like  a  Japanese,  looking  at  herself  in  the  glass  all 


128  THE    SEA    LETTER 

the  time ;  then,  rubbed  glycerine  and  rose  water 
over  her  brown  face,  neck  and  arms. 

"  Now  whom  do  you  like  best  ? " 

She  stood  on  her  toes  and  heels  and  worked 
her  ankles,  bent  sideways,  backward  and  forward 
and  twisted  around  ;  turned  her  head  and  neck  in 
various  positions ;  bent  the  knees ;  rotated  and 
swung  the  legs  from  the  hips ;  flexed,  extended, 
and  twisted  the  arms ;  then,  took  a  light  pair  of 
Indian  clubs  and  handled  them  so  rapidly  that  she 
soon  became  tired. 

"  I  wish  my  arms  were  as  big  and  pretty  as 
Gabrielle's, "  she  murmured. 

She  sat  upon  the  side  of  the  bed  in  her  night- 
robe  and  rested  and  mused :  "  I  like  many — don't 
love  any.  Perhaps,  it  would  be  just  as  well  to  ask, 
who  likes  me?" 

She  jumped  up  before  the  glass  and  said, 
"Now  pose,  Miss  Conant,"  and  went  through  many 
Delsarte  movements,  watching  herself  all  the  time 
and  smiling  at  her  pretty  figure  in  its  various  posi- 
tions. She  practiced  her  breathing  exercises  and 
watched  the  rise  and  fall  of  her  maiden  bosom  under 
the  lace-trimmed  robe.  She  smeared  her  lips  and 
eyelids  with  white  vaseline,  kneeled  down  and 
said  her  prayers,  turned  the  light  down  low,  and 
slipped  into  bed  with  a  shiver. 

"  I  guess  I'll  have  to  wait  till  someone  wants 
me,"she  murmured.  "My  prince  will  come  someday. 
I  suppose  it  would  be  awful  to  have  a  husband, 


THE    SEA    LETTER  129 

and  honor  and  obey  him  whether  or  no,  and  be 
like  an  upper  servant  to  look  after  the  housework 
and  marketing  and  everything  just  as  mother  does. 
It's  too  much  to  expect  of  a  girl  like  me.  But — I 
can  have  a  devoted  lover — and,  perhaps,  be  en- 
gaged with  a  solitaire  ring — and  have  him  do  as  I 
say.  That  would  be  jolly.  Then  I  could  send  him 
away  flying,  when  I  became  tired  of  him —  but — I 
shouldn't  like  to  return  the  ring — and  be  called  a 
flirt.  I  haven't  caught  him  yet.  Time  enough  to 
decide  his  fate  when  I  do. 

"  I  wonder  who  Gabrielle  will  have.  Delano 
and  Thompson  both  seem  to  be  infatuated,  and  she 
appears  to  like  them  both.  I  suppose  the  one  who 
pops  first.  There'll  be  one  left,  surely.  Flossie 
will  be  engaged  to  Mac  before  the  end  of  the  sea- 
son. There  never  was  such  mutual  admiration 
before.  A  poor  professor's  wife  !  But  he  is  nice 
and  Flossie  has  a  good  father.  Atkins  and  Vic 
are  talking  eternally  about  the  stars.  They  are  a 
good  excuse  to  sit  up  late  and  be  spoony.  Sanders 
and  May  go  riding  together  nearly  every  day,  and 
he  says,  she  is  his  '  summer  girl.'  They  are  both 
so  dreadfully  practical.  If  she  can  give  him  enough 
to  eat,  I  suppose  he  will  be  able  to  get  theatre 
tickets  often,  then  they  will  be  happy.  Wilson  is 
what  mother  calls  '  a  good  boy,'  but  he  is  so  dread- 
fully bashful.  We  may  be  only  summer  girls;  it 
looks  wintry  for  some  of  us.  Oh  !  ho !  where  do 
I  come  in  ?  Guess  I'll  be  the  old  maid  of  the 


130  THE    SEA    LETTER 

party. — What  made  Mr.  Delano  kiss  me  ?  Said  he 
couldn't  help  it — .  " 

A  delicate  arm  laid  outside  the  coverlid  ;  the 
serpent's  eyes  showed  red  in  the  dim  light,  and  the 
enamelled  scales  of  the  bracelet  glittered  upon  the 
satin  skin.  Laura  was  fast  asleep. 


ec 
i 

h 

o 


CHAPTER  X. 


Delano  sat  out  upon  the  porch  smoking  one 
morning,  when  Tim  Scammons,  a  brawny  fisher- 
man-farmer, called  at  the  house  to  sell  codfish, 
"  Rale  Neman's  Land  Codfish,  lightly  salted ;  bet- 
ter'n  yer  kin  find  anywheres  hereabouts,"  he  said. 
"  Don't  yer  want  some,  Mister?  Only  five  cents 
a  pound. " 

"  No,  thanks  ;  I  board  at  the  hotel, "  replied 
Delano  pleasantly. 

"Ther's  no  one  'bout  the  kitchin.  " 

"  No ;  Mrs.  Oliver  has  gone  to  the  store.  Do 
you  live  on  No  Man's  Land?  " 

"  No,  I  live  down  nigh  the  Head. " 

"  Do  you  farm  it  ? " 

"Yes,  and  fish." 

"Have  you  good  land?" 

"  Not  so  very — kinder  sandy — vegetables 
grow  well — most  on  us  raises  a  little  oats  and  rye 
ter  make  straw  fur  campmeetin'  ticks  and  shake- 
downs. " 

"  Did  you  come  here  by  boat  ?" 


132  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"  No,  drove  up  'long  State  road  through  West 
Tisbury." 

"Raise  many  fowls  ?" 

"What  yer  say?" 

"Do  you  raise  chickens?" 

"Some  chickins  and  ducks  down  our  way.  No 
such  duck  farm  as  you've  got  over  yonder.  " 

"Why  don't  you  raise  ducks?" 

"What's  the  use?  When  we  want  ducks,  we 
shoot  wild  ones  on  the  lakes. " 

"Are  they  plenty?" 

"  Wall,  you  should  see  'em  'long  in  the  fall — 
water's  just  covered  with  'em." 

"  Do  you  know  a  woman  who  has  a  hen  ceme- 
tery?" 

"  Yer,  she  lived  over  by  South  Shore  and  give 
her  whole  time  to  hens — never  would  have  any  roos- 
ters— she  had  names  for  every  one  of  'em.  Some  of 
'em  was  as  old  as  Methuselah.  Them  hens'  legs 
was  all  warts  and  knots  like  the  bark  of  an  old  oak, 
an' she  wouldn't  kill  one  fur  love  nor  money.  Honest 
Injun !  I  b'lieve  they  was  mor'n  twenty  years  in 
her  hen  hospital.  She  was  the  doctor ;  had  a  med- 
icine for  every  disease,  and  had  the  queerest  names 
a  man  ever  heered  on.  Some  died  and  she  made 
'em  shrouds  and  coffins,  and  buried  'em,  and  set 
up  rale  marble  tombstones  fur  'em." 

"Is  it  possible?" 

"Sure's  shootin'!  Seen  'em  myself.  The 
dear  departed  were,  Ada  Queetie,  Beauty  Linna, 


THE    SEA    LETTER  133 

Poor  Tweedle  Dedel,  Bebes  Pinkey — that's  all  I 
remember  now — but  there  was  a  list  of  the  other 
hens  pinned  on  a  board  in  the  house." 

"Caesar!  what  an  extraordinary  story!  How 
did  her  husband  like  it  ? " 

"He? — She  hadn't  any — she  wouldn't  have  a 
man  round.  She  was  a  good  lookin'  woman  and 
fine  rider  when  young,  and  we  all  thought  she  hed 
bin  crossed  in  love.  She's  dead  now  and  the  hens 
is  gone,  but  the  tombstones  are  still  thar.  I  seen 
'em  awhile  ago.  She  was  a  sort  of  a  hen  doctor, 
and  wrote  a  book  about  'em  all  poetry  and  sich 
rubbish.  Ever  bin  down  to  Scrubby  Neck  near 
South  Shore?" 

"No;  what  is  there?" 

"  Scenery;  bully  grove  on  a  point  whar  we  go 
on  picnics — Our  Church  Sunday  School's  goin'  to 
have  one  next  Thursday.  Hope  you'll  come  out, 
Mister. " 

"Thank  you.  Perhaps  I  may.  Anyhow,  I 
must  drive  down  there  some  day.  Are  you  an 
Islander  ? " 

"  Yes,  with  a  little  sprinklin*  of  Injun. " 

"Indian?" 

"  Sartin :  plenty  down  our  way  has  Injun 
blood  —  we  are  the  airly  settlers  —  was  here  afore 
the  English  come.  " 

"  Good-morning  !  Mr.  Delano.  Hullo  !  you 
here,  Tim  ? "  said  Mrs.  Oliver,  who  came  around 


134  THE    SEA    LETTER 

the  corner  of  the  house  with  a  basket  of  groceries 
on  her  arm. 

"  Yes,  Ma'm  ;  me'n  this  gentleman  has  bin 
talkin'  'bout  chickins  and  things.  Want  any  fish 
to-day,  Mrs.  Oliver  ?  Rale  Neman's  Land  cod- 
fish 'bout  half  salted. " 

"  Let  me  see  'em,  "  and  they  walked  to  the 
cart. 

"  Um  —  kinder  measly  looking,  Tim  — What's 
the  price  ? " 

"  Five  cents  a  pound.  " 

"  I'll  give  you  fifteen  for  that  one.  " 

"  That's  more'n  four  pounds.  " 

"  O,  such  scales  as  you  carry  !  See  how  bony 
and  wet  it  is,  too.  " 

"  Wall,  take  it !  you  do  drive  a  hard  bargain, 
Mrs.  Oliver — 'twon't  pay  fur  the  bait." 

"  Nonsense !  Tim ;  I  only  buy  'cause  it's 
you. " 

"  Thank  yer,  Ma'm. " 

"  What's  the  news  'up  island  '  ?" 

"Nuthin  —  Martin  J.  has  got  rheumatis, 
Lyman  K.  has  dropsy,  and  Luther  John's  took  a 
stroke ;  'sides  that,  all's  pretty  smart  'round 
Squibnocket. " 

This  is  away  Islanders  have  of  designating  in- 
dividuals of  the  same  given  or  surname,  the  initial 
or  middle  name  being  more  distinctive,  where  every- 
body knows  everybody,  and  families  are  so  mixed 
by  intermarriage. 


THE    SEA    LETTER  135 

"  Any  berries  this  year,  Tim  ? " 

"  Blue  and  huckleberry  are  most  gone.  Black- 
berries'11  be  heavy  —  comin'  right  out  of  the  sand 
at  Long  Beach —  'sides,  woods  is  full  o'  grapes. 
I  'spect  to  make  a  hogshead  of  wine.  Give  'way 
consid'rable.  Folks  is  always  ready  to  take  a  bot- 
tle o'wine. " 

"How's  Mrs.  Kootenay  gettin'  on?" 

"  Slowly ;  Doctor  says  there'll  be  a  squall  in 
'bout  two  months." 

"Ha!  ha!  'spose  she'll  have  Dr.  Fussle 
again. " 

"Yer,  says  she  don't  want  no  strange  doctor 
foolin'  round." 

"Well,  doctors  are  pretty  much  the  same, 
only  we  have  our  likings  ;  but,  while  she's  sending 
all  the  way  to  Katamy  over  those  sandy  roads,  the 
neighbors  will  take  the  job  out  of  his  hands." 

"Your  head's  allus  level,  Mrs.  Oliver  —  that's 
what  we  all  think  at  the  corners,  but  wimin  is  ob- 
stinite  and  no  mistake.  Cap'n's  all  right,  I 
s'pose?" 

"Yer;  sound's  a  dollar." 

"Wall,  I  must  be  startin'  —  Mornin',  Mrs. 
Oliver — Mornin',  Mister — I'll  be  'long  agin  next 
week. " 

"Good-morning,  Tim",  and  he  mounted  his 
cart  and  went  down  the  street  blowing  his  horn. 

"Queer  customer,  Mrs.  Oliver,"  remarked 
Delano.  . 

"Yes;  lots  just  like  him  down  at  the  Head." 


136  THE     SEA     LETTER 

"Is  it  pleasant  to  live  here  during  the  winter, 
Mrs.  Oliver?"  asked  Delano. 

"Not  so  very.  Lots  of  folks  go  away  during 
the  cold  months  like  the  robins  and  blackbirds, 
and  ther's  a  kind  of  shet-up  look  to  the  neighbor- 
hoods. We  have  societies,  whose  members  reside 
all  over  the  island  and  meet  in  the  different  towns 
quite  often  ;  and  churches  to  keep  the  women  busy, 
when  they  ain't  doing  their  housework  and  helping 
the  men  with  their  affairs. 

"  The  men  are  kinder  busy  too  with  their  as- 
sociations and  clubs,  and  there's  lots  of  chances  to 
show  a  winter  bonnet  at  a  cake-sale,  bean-supper, 
charity  fair,  concert  or  banquet.  " 

"  Have  you  good  stores,  or  do  you  buy  in 
Boston?" 

"We  do  most  of  our  trading  here  and  benefit 
by  the  sharp  competition.  There  are  about  5000 
inhabitants  scattered  around  the  island,  and  many 
vessels  come  into  the  harbor  for  supplies.  The 
2  5000  people,  who  visit  Capawock  every  season, 
fill  up  the  cottages,  boarding-houses  and  hotels 
and  help  all  kinds  of  business.  If  it  were  not  for 
them,  I  guess  there'd  be  an  emigration  of  Island- 
ers." 

The  old  captain  consulted  with  his  wife  about 
going  on  a  cruise  in  September,  'and  she  consented 
reluctantly  and  consoled  herself  by  saying, 
"Better  then  than  later,  'cause  ther'll  be  a  right 
smart  lot  of  folks  still  lingerin'  here,  and  we  shan't 


THE    SEA    LETTER  137 

be  lonely  as  we'd  be  later  on  ;  then  'taint  like  he 
was  goin'  to  the  Arctic  for  whales,  as  he  used  to  do. 
What  with  scarcity  of  whales,  bad  luck  in  gettin' 
fastened  and  killin'  'em,  freezin'  in  the  floes,  and 
bein'  crushed  in  the  packs,  a  body  couldn't  tell 
whether  one  was  a  wife  or  a  widder.  But  a  little 
sailin'  party  up  to  Maine  is  different,  and  I  s'pose 
he  might  as  well  go,  if  he's  paid  for  it.  We'll 
manage  to  git  along  some  how,  but  who's  to  make 
the  fires,  dig  clams,  catch  fish  and  look  after  the 
boat,  the  Lord  only  knows.  S'pose  we'll  have  to 
git  one  of  them  Portuguese,  what' soverrunnin' the 
island,  and  takin'  all  the  work  and  bread  out  of 
poor  folks  '  mouths.  " 

The  good  wife  went  into  the  house,  gathered 
up  the  quilted  cushions  laid  over  the  window-sills 
to  absorb  the  rain,  which  had  driven  in  beneath 
the  well  worn  sash — for  an  early  shower  had  fal- 
len—  wiped  all  the  moisture  away  with  a  towel, 
wrung  out  the  cushions  in  the  kitchen  sink,  and 
hung  them  by  the  stove  to  dry. 

Mrs.  Oliver  was  about  sixty  years  old  and  had 
been  a  sailor's  wife  for  forty  of  them.  She  was  a 
round  faced,  buxom  woman,  who  found  time  in  ad- 
dition to  doing  her  housework  to  cultivate  all  the 
beautiful  flowers  about  her  home. 

Delano  was  so  tired  that  he  spent  the  after- 
noon in  his  room  fast  asleep,  and  it  was  dark  before 
he  awoke  and  went  to  supper.  His  friends  had  all 
departed  for  the  band  concert,  and  he  was  glad  to 


138  THE    SEA    LETTER 

be  rid  of  the  necessity  of  conversation,  and  of  main- 
taining the  alertness  of  mind  and  courteous 
manners  expected  of  a  young  gentleman  in  society. 
He  lighted  a  cigar  and  seated  himself  to  the  left  of 
the  hotel  entrance  upon  the  piazza,  where  the 
bachelors  and  old  fellows  congregated,  and  took  solid 
comfort,  letting  his  mind  wander  from  person  to 
person,  event  to  event  and  place  to  place,  as  he 
looked  dreamily  at  the  sky  and  sea  and  rested. 

When  the  people  returned  from  the  concert, 
his  gentlemen  friends  left  the  ladies  and  swooped 
upon  him  in  a  crowd. 

"  I'll  be  confounded !  if  here  isn't  Delano 
mooning  away,  as  if  he  were  in  love.  Where  the 
deuce  have  you  kept  yourself  all  this  time,  old 
man?"  demanded  Sanders. 

"Hullo!  fellows;  been  to  the  concert?"  was 
his  greeting. 

"Yes,  of  course;  had  to  look  after  the  ladies, " 
replied  Thompson. 

"  I  suppose  they  got  along  well  enough  before 
you  arrived  here  ?  " 

"Not  exactly.  They  say  it  was  frightfully 
dull,  and  our  arrival  saved  the  season,"  answered 
Mac. 

"  Of  course ;  no  one  to  play  tennis  and  golf 
and  ride  a  bike  with  them,"  added  Young. 

"  Or  to  talk  botany,  biology  and  astronomy,  " 
continued  Atkins. 


THE    SEA    LETTER  139 

"  You  are  a  generous  set.  You  are  not  seek- 
ing your  own  pleasure,  of  course?"  sneered  Delano. 

"That's  what  we  are  here  for — Give  me  a 
match,  please,"  said  Atkins,  "I'm  dying  for  a 
smoke. " 

They  lighted  cigarettes,  cigars  and  pipes  and 
soothed  themselves  as  they  talked. 

"Really,  Delano;  where  have  you  kept  your- 
self all  day?  Are  you  under  the  weather?"  asked 
Thompson. 

"  No,  only  beastly  tired.  I've  been  on  the  go 
ever  since  we  arrived,  and  I  took  a  loaf  and  a  nap 
to  even  up.  " 

"That  is  right.  Some  people  never  work  so 
hard  as  when  they  are  playing.  There's  mighty 
little  re-creation  in  such  conduct." 

"That  is  about  what  I  told  Miss  Palmer  this 
morning.  She  has  been  rushing  athletics  until 
her  spirit  is  fagged." 

"  I  thought  she  never  looked  better.  " 

"  O,  she  looks  well  enough,  but  will  have  a 
sick  spell,  if  she  doesn't  hold  her  horse." 

"I  should  be  very  sorry."  This  was  said 
feelingly,  and  Thompson  looked  out  upon  the  har- 
bor and  remained  silent. 

Delano  looked  at  him  keenly  a  moment  and 
blew  rings  of  smoke  carefully.  He  wondered  if 
Thompson  was  in  love  with  Gabrielle  ?  What  did 
it  concern  him  if  he  were  ?  He  had  assumed  a 
guardianship  and  talked  in  a  brotherly  way,  but  he 


140  THE     SEA     LETTER 

had  never  acted  like  a  lover.  She  was  free  to  accept 
the  attentions  of  anyone.  She  had  too  much  spirit 
to  pine  after  him,  if  he  remained  silent.  These 
thoughts  passed  through  his  mind  rapidly,  and  he 
felt  a  pang  of  self-reproach  and  of  jealousy.  Jeal- 
ousy is  often  an  incentive  to  action  and  an  awak- 
ener  of  passion. 

"What  a  motherly  soul  Mrs.  Conant  is," 
remarked  Thompson,  breaking  the  silence. 

"What  makes  you  think  so?" 

' '  She  came  over  to  the  park  to-night  with  an 
extra  wrap  for  Laura  because  the  air  became  a 
trifle  misty  and  cool.  " 

"One  always  values  a  solitaire  more  than  a 
cluster." 

"Laura  is  not  a  rough  diamond  by  any  means, 
and  her  mother  would  not  be  a  disagreeable  mother- 
in-law.  " 

"Are  you  meditating  matrimony?" 

"  No ;  only  philosophizing.  I'll  let  you  know 
in  time. " 

"Such  considerations  are  dangerous.  " 

"  Mrs.  Palmer  seems  to  be  a  very  amiable  and 
sensible  woman." 

"What  the  dickens  is  Thompson  thinking 
about?"  muttered  Delano;  then,  "She  is  an  ed- 
cated,  re  fined,  handsome  lady — I  thought  you  had 
met  her  in  New  York  society. " 

"No,  only  here.  I  am  slightly  acquainted 
with  the  doctor," 


THE    SEA    LETTER  141 

"  He's  a  jolly  fellow  and  likes  a  good  dinner  as 
well  as  an  amputation.  " 

"  Laura  says  her  father  is  coming  down  Sat- 
urday." 

"You  were  with  her  then  this  evening? " 

"Yes,  awhile.  Mac  took  her  and  Flossie  out 
in  your  trap — I  preferred  to  walk  with — Miss 
Palmer. " 

"A  fair  exchange." 

The  other  fellows  were  chatting  away  and 
didn't  hear  connectedly  what  these  two  men  had 
been  saying,  though  they  interrupted  them  often 
by  questions  and  appeals  to  their  judgment. 

"I  hear  you  were  out  driving  this  evening, 
Mac,  "  said  Delano. 

"Yes;  I  took  Laura  and  Flossie  in  the  trap  to 
the  concert  and  then  to  West  Chop.  The  girls  en- 
joyed it  very  much." 

"  I  suppose  Laura  felt  neglected  with  Flossie 
and  you." 

"Stop  your  chaffing,  Delano;  I  am  'heart 
whole  and  fancy  free. ' ' 

"There  never  was  such  a  man!" 

Delano  felt  for  some  reason  neglected  and  out 
of  harmony  with  his  friends.  A  great  responsi- 
bility seemed  to  oppress  him.  Was  the  strange 
secret  a  burden  to  his  spirit?  Or  did  he  realize 
now  for  the  first  time  that  he  was  interested  in  two 
young  ladies  and  might  be  forced  to  make  a  decis- 
ion between  them?  He  was  annoyed  that  he 


142  THE    SEA    LETTER 

could  not  be  gay  and  gallant  like  the  other  fellows, 
and  piqued  that  they  had  enjoyed  themselves  so 
much  without  him.  It  hurts  one's  vanity,  as 
much  to  realize  he  is  little  missed  from  a  social 
gathering,  as  it  does  to  know  he  is  de  trop. 

Was  he  really  in  love  ?  Whom  did  he  prefer  ? 
Which  was  his  affinity  ?  He  did  not  care  to  ana- 
lyze the  characters  of  the  ladies.  He  could  not 
weigh  talents,  compare  temperaments,  or  think  of 
the  enduring  qualities  necessary  for  happiness  in 
the  conjugal  state.  Experienced  and  elderly  peo- 
ple advise  such  foresight,  but  Cupid  twangs  his 
own  bow-string.  If  prudence  induces  criticism, 
reasoning  ceases  when  the  susceptible  one  catches 
a  flash  from  bright  eyes,  a  classic  pose  of  a 
head,  a  wave  of  a  shapely  hand,  or  the  gentle 
curves  of  the  form  divine.  Instincts  are  ever  in- 
terfering with  intellectual  processes;  passion  and 
reason  are  frequently  at  war, 

"And  beauty  leads  us  by  a  single  hair." 

Beauty  led  Delano  captive.  He  admired 
Gabrielle's  independence,  he  liked  Laura's  timid 
confidence ;  but  reflection  had  not  enabled  him  to 
choose  between  them.  He  recognized  Thompson 
now,  as  a  rival.  He  could  not  blame  him  for  fol- 
lowing his  natural  inclinations,  but  he  felt  a  little 
resentment  that  he  should  be  the  one  to  disturb  his 
own  serene  inertia.  He  knew  Thompson  wasade- 


THE    SEA    LETTER  143 

sirable  life  companion  for  any  lady.  Though  he 
continued  to  banter  and  flirt  with  Laura,  Delano 
thought  he  detected  a  tender  regard  for  Gabrielle. 
Thompson  should  choose  Laura,  as  their  temper- 
aments were  contrary,  like  those  of  himself  and 
Gabrielle.  A  union  of  opposites  has  long  been  re- 
garded by  a  majority  of  the  people,  as  most  likely 
to  insure  the  greatest  happiness. 

Many  persons  believe,  on  the  contrary,  that 
the  doctrine  of  similars  is  true  in  love,  as  it  often 
is  in  curing  disease,  and  that  the  greatest  happi- 
ness comes  from  a  union  of  similar  temperaments. 

Was  Thompson  in  the  same  dilemma  as  Delano, 
allured  by  golden  tresses  and  a  perfect  savoirfaire, 
and,  also,  enthralled  by  fluffy  curls,  artlessness 
and  esprit?  Evidently  he  was,  and  the  bondage 
was  so  delightful,  he  did  not  hasten  to  free  him- 
self. The  summer  was  waning  fast ;  Delano  was 
dangerous,  and  he  must  soon  make  his  choice.  He 
asked  himself,  if  true  love  could  be  so  undecided. 
Where  was  that  over-powering  affinity  of  Delano's, 
that  would  surely  point  the  way? 

Both  Thompson  and  Delano  began  to  believe 
they  were  in  love,  and  all  they  had  to  do  was  to 
make  a  choice.  Man's  vanity  and  imperious  na- 
ture are  apt  to  warp  his  judgment  in  affairs  con- 
cerning women,  who  appear  quiet  as  mice  and 
gentle  as  doves,  though  they  do  considerable  think- 
ing about  human  problems. 


CHAPTER     XI. 


It  was  threatening  rain;  the  wind  was  cool 
from  the  northeast,  and  our  summer  girls  had  de- 
cided to  forego  bathing  and  be  industrious  the  whole 
forenoon.  They  were  gathered  upon  the  piazza, 
winding  split  zephyr,  braiding  skeins  of  silk,  crochet- 
ing point,  embroidering  doilies,  mending  gloves 
and  chattering  with  each  other  and  surrounding 
friends.  Delano  went  over  to  the  hotel  and  joined 
them  in  time  to  hear  about  a  ride  to  Indian  Hill, 
which  Vic.  had  taken  the  previous  day. 

"We  went  out  the  State  highway  to  a  bend," 
said  Vic,  "continued  by  a  dirt  road,  passed  a  few 
houses  of  Davistown,  and  climbed  the  hill  to  the  left. 
This  is  a  continuation  of  an  abrupt  ridge  261  feet 
high,  covered  by  grass,  bushes  and  boulders,  and 
the  views  from  the  top  are  magnificent." 

"We  must  have  a  picnic  there  some  day, 
girls,"  said  Gabrielle.  "Many  people  around  the 
hotel  have  advised  an  excursion  there,  as  the  great 
plains  of  the  central  and  southern  portion  of  the 
island,  and  the  range  of  hills  along  the  northern 
shore  present  many  beautiful  pictures." 


THE    SEA    LETTER  145 

"  That  is  true,  "  added  Mac,  "  and  it  is  the 
best  place  to  find  Indian  arrow-heads  hereabouts." 

"  You  remind  me  of  a  story, "  remarked  May. 
"  It  is  an  Indian  legend  entitled  '  Love  and 
Treason.' 

"  The  Indians  of  Capawock  and  Nantucket 
were  enemies  and  often  made  attacks  upon  each 
other.  Wintuck,  a  young  brave  of  the  former  is- 
land, was  fishing  in  Muskeget's  rapid  currents 
and  a  storm  drove  his  canoe  to  Nantucket,  where 
he  was  hospitably  received  and  permitted  to  de- 
part in  safety,  though  he  had  violated  faith  by 
becoming  affianced  to  the  Chief's  daughter. 

"His  tribe  planned  an  expedition  against  the 
Nantuckets,  the  war-canoes  were  drawn  up  in 
line,  and  the  warriors  were  about  to  land,  when 
they  were  astonished  to  find  the  wily  foe  in  ambush 
along  the  shore,  prepared  to  annihilate  them  with 
arrows  and  spears.  They  retreated  and  paddled 
home  again  before  sunrise,  chagrined  and  astound- 
ed at  the  preparations  of  their  enemies,  and  for 
a  long  time  wondered  how  they  had  been  fore- 
warned. 

"  Peace  was  finally  declared  between  the 
island  tribes,  and  they  were  drawn  closer  together 
by  the  marriage  of  Wintuck,  of  Chappaquiddick, 
and  Miaca,  the  daughter  of  the  Nantucket  chief. 
Then  the  dusky  bride  revealed  the  secret.  She 
told  of  the  betrothal,  when  Wintuck  had  been 
cast  upon  the  island  by  the  gale,  and  declared 


146  THE    SEA    LETTER       . 

that  her  lover  to  warn  her  of  danger  had  racep 
over  the  shoals  of  Tuckernuck  and  Nantucket,  dur- 
ing low  tide,  and,  run  splashing  and  dashing  back 
through  the  rising  flood  and  dangerous  rips  to 
Chappaquiddick  without  his  absence  having  been 
discovered  by  his  tribesmen. 

"Thus  love  and  treason  were  rewarded." 

"  Capital !  "  declared  Mac,  as  the  hearers  all 
applauded. 

"The  Indian  runner  must  have  had  as  long 
legs  as  Maushopeto  promenade  over  the  shoals." 

"  You  should  not  be  too  critical  concerning 
legends,"  said  Atkins. 

"A  woman  gave  away  the  secret  as  usual," 
growled  Sanders. 

"  Yes,  after  there  was  no  longer  necessity  of 
keeping  it,  mister, "  retorted  Flossie. 

The  friends  went  sailing  in  Ike's  cat-boat  in 
the  afternoon  over  to  Woods  Hole,  along  Naushon 
to  Tarpaulin  Cove,  and  back  around  West  Chop. 
As  the  boat  moved  slowly  through  the  Cove, 
Thompson  related  an  event  of  the  war  of  1812. 

"  Tarpaulin  Cove  is  a  deep  indentation  of  the 
southeast  coast  of  Naushon  Island  ;  there  is  a  light- 
house upon  its  southern  point,  and  many  vessels 
anchor  inside  to  escape  adverse  tides  and  winds. 
The  inhabitants  of  Capawock  and  the  Elizabeth 
Islands  were  hostile  to  the  English  in  the  war  of 
1812,  and  a  British  man-of-war  schooner  lay  at  an- 
chor in  the  cove. 


o 

I 

U 


I 
h 


THE    SEA    LETTER  147 

"  An  old  sea  captain  of  Vineyard  Haven  had 
a  sloop,  which  he  ran  as  a  packet  to  carry  supplies 
to  and  from  New  York.  He  had  reached  Woods 
Hole  on  a  return  voyage,  when  the  enemy  learned 
of  his  presence,  and  sent  a  boat  load  of  armed  men 
and  captured  him.  The  cargo  was  confiscated,  and, 
being  a  non-combatant,  he  was  allowed  to  depart 
with  his  empty  vessel.  Instead  of  returning  to  the 
Haven,  he  sailed  to  Falmouth,  and  found  Capt. 
Jenkins  and  sixty  American  militiamen  spoiling 
for  a  fight  with  the  Englishmen.  They  put  two 
brass  cannon  upon  an  old  sloop;  piled  her  deck 
with  wood,  concealed  the  men  below,  and  sailed 
against  the  enemy  at  night.  The  schooner  was 
discovered  at  anchor,  and  the  armed  sloop  crossed 
her  stern  and  anchored  near  her.  An  officer  hail- 
ed, '  Sloop  ahoy  !  What  vessel  is  that  ? ' 

"  Jenkins  answered,  *  The  Betsy,  of  Nantuck- 
et'!  He  knew  the  English  and  Nantucket  people 
were  friendly,  and  hoped  to  throw  Captain  Potter 
off  his  guard.  The  latter  ordered  a  lieutenant  to 
board  and  examine  her,  but  he  suggested  caution 
for  fear  of  the  craft  having  powder  on  board,  and 
Potter,  somewhat  nettled  at  the  hesitation,  which  he 
thought  due  to  cowardice,  went  himself.  He 
asked  Jenkins  some  questions  about  Nantucket, 
which  exposed  his  ignorance  of  events  there, 
and  warned  him  he  was  being  deceived  by  a 
Yankee  trick.  He  was  trapped,  but  courageous; 
he  aimed  his  pistol  at  Jenkins  and  pulled  the 


148  THE    SEA    LETTER 

trigger,  but  fortunately  it  missed  fire.  Jenkins 
drew  his  cutlass,  called  upon  the  captain  to 
surrender,  stamped  his  foot,  and  brought  up 
his  men  in  a  rush.  Potter  was  put  in  irons  and 
hustled  below,  as  he  shouted  to  his  lieutenant 
to  set  fire  to  his  vessel  and  blow  up  the  mag- 
azine. The  Americans  put  the  sloop  along- 
side the  schooner  and  captured  her  before  the 
English  could  repel  boarders.  The  lieutenant  ex- 
cused himself  for  not  obeying  orders  by  saying, 
'  I  had  too  much  regard  for  the  number  of  my 
mess.' 

"  The  schooner  was  brought  to  Woods  Hole 
and  the  crew  imprisoned  at  Falmouth.  Captain 
Isaac  Winslow,  of  the  captured  sloop,  Old  Kite, 
called  to  see  Potter  in  prison  and  said,  '  Captain 
Potter,  things  are  mighty  uncertain  in  this  world 
— yesterday  I  was  your  prisoner,  and  to-day  you 
are  ours ;  and  I  guess  you'll  not  bother  any  more 
boatmen  this  year.'  He  recovered  two-thirds  of 
his  cargo,  loaded  his  sloop  and  sailed  home,  sing- 
ing, 

<  O  Potter  !  poor  Potter ! 

Potter's  run  his  glass. 

O  Potter !  poor  Potter  ! 

For  Jenkins's  got  him  fast.'  " 

The  company  laughed  and  applauded  enthusi- 
astically. 


THE    SEA    LETTER  149 

"  Rather  a  one-sided  story,  I  should  say, " 
commented  Atkins.  English  sailors  never  give  up 
a  ship  in  that  fashion,  as  we  know  from  the  history 
of  the  bloody  naval  battles  of  that  war." 

"  The  story  illustrates  the  fearlessness  of  dan- 
ger and  eagerness  for  reckless  adventure  charac- 
teristic of  Yankees,"  remarked  Helen. 

"  The  same  Old  Kite  was  wrecked  during  a 
gale  in  the  Haven  only  a  few  years  ago,  and  the 
captain's  descendants  live  in  his  old  house  in  the 
valley,"  added  Isaac  respectfully. 

"  That  is  another  historical  point  for  my  note 
book, "  said  Vic. 

The  breezes  freshened  off  the  Chop  and  a 
great  wind  gust  forced  the  boat  around  broadside 
and  caused  her  to  heel  dangerously.  She  came  by 
the  wind  quickly  and  the  panic  that  had  arisen 
amongst  the  ladies  subsided.  Then  Ike  called  the 
passengers  farther  aft  in  the  standing-room,  drop- 
ped the  peak  of  the  main-sail,  kept  away,  and  ran 
smoothly  and  safely  around  the  point  into  the  har- 
bor. Ike  handled  the  boat  skilfully,  and  said  a  cat- 
boat  was  easily  forced  around  by  pressure  of  wind 
in  the  peak  of  the  sail,  especially  if  she  be  ballast- 
ed too  much  by  the  head.  "  Most  persons  think 
they  can  sail  a  boat, "  said  he,  "  but  the  drowning 
accidents  in  the  papers  every  day  contradict  them. 
It  requires  a  quick  eye,  a  strong  arm,  a  knowledge 
of  seamanship  and  good  judgment.  Then  'tain't 
so  dead  easy." 


ISO  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"You  are  right,"  affirmed  Delano.  "Thereis 
quite  as  much  risk  as  romance  in  sailing,  and  one 
cannot  manage  a  girl  and  a  sailboat  at  the  same 
time." 

"  We  are  all  learning  how  to  sail,  Mr.  Delano," 
said  Vic.  "  Look  at  our  faces  and  hands,  tanned 
like  Russia  leather." 

"  Tan  isn't  evidence,  but  we'll  concede  you  go 
boating,"  answered  Atkins,  as  the  party  landed 
and  went  to  supper. 

Delano  proceeded  to  his  room  afterwards  and 
the  captain  soon  came  in  smiling  and  happy. 

"Any  news,  Captain  ?"  Delano  asked. 

"  Yes,  good  news  ;  Alice  says  I  can  go,  and  Mr. 
Lowley  writes  about  several  good  craft  he  thinks 
we  could  charter.  They  are  just  beginning  to  haul 
out  and  strip  for  the  winter,  but  here's  his  letter." 

"  Good  enough,  old  man. "  Delano  took  the 
letter  and  read :  "'Thereis  a  thirty-footer,  forty 
feet  over  all,  nine  feet  beam,  seven  feet  draft ; 
5,000  Ibs.  iron  on  keel,  looolbs.  lead  inside;  flush 
deck,  skylight,  cockpit,  cabin  with  four  berths, 
transoms  and  table;  forecastle,  with  two  hammocks, 
naptha  stove,  lockers  and  dishes;  hatch  and  sail- 
room  in  run ;  cutter  rig ;  two  anchors  and  chains, 
one  ten  foot  boat,  and  an  excellent  outfit.  Can  be 
chartered  for  fifty  dollars  a  month.  Is  in  first 
class  condition,  just  returned  from  a  cruise  to  East- 
port.  ' 


THE    SEA    LETTER  151 

"  That  reads  pretty  well,  doesn't  it,  Captain  ?" 

"Yes,  a  plaything  for  some  rich  man,  I  sup- 
pose." 

"  *  One  forty-footer ; '  Um !  Too  large. 

" '  One,  thirty-six  feet  water  line,  fourteen  feet 
beam,  four  feet  draft,  sloop  rig;'  Will  not  do; 
too  much  of  a  skimming-dish  for  deep  water. 

"'One  twenty-five  footer  ;'  Too  small,  Um! 
Guess  we'll  run  up  to  Boston  to-morrow  and  look 
them  over;  hey,  Captain?" 

"  Aye,  aye !  probably  that  would  be  the  best. 
It  isn't  safe  to  go  to  sea  unless  you're  sure  you've 
got  sound  timbers  in  the  kelson." 

They  went  away  by  the  first  boat  the  next 
morning  and,  after  a  very  enjoyable  time  looking 
over  the  fleet  of  beautiful  yachts  at  South  Boston, 
finally,  selected  the  first  vessel  mentioned  in  the 
letter,  and  carefully  inspected  the  outfit.  They  had 
the  pick  of  several  yachtsmen,  whose  captains  had 
hauled  their  craft  out  already,  and  shipped  two 
sturdy  seamen  for  the  cruise. 

Frank  Merangue  was  a  tall  strong  man,  a  na- 
tive of  Maine,  who  had  filled  every  position  on  a 
coaster  from  cook  to  captain,  and  was  thoroughly 
acquainted  with  the  islands,  headlands  and  harbors 
along  the  coast  from  Boston  to  Halifax.  He  was 
engaged  to  do  a  sailor's  duty,  assist  in  piloting,  and 
take  charge  of  the  yacht  when  his  superiors  were 
away. 


1 $2  THE    SEA    LETTER 

Robert  Frizzle  was  an  amateur  yachtsman, 
with  a  penchant  for  cooking.  He  was  short,  stout 
and  capable.  He  had  learned  seamanship  snapping 
on  balloon-jibs  and  smothering  spinnakers,  racing 
crack  yachts  about  Massachusetts  Bay,  and  ship- 
ped to  wrestle  with  the  gasoline  stove  and  have  an 
opportunity  of  seeing  new  cruising  grounds.  Bob 
could  mix  a  rum-punch,  make  a  lobster-salad,  or 
climb  aloft  and  sit  upon  the  truck,  with  equal  sang 
froid.  He  anticipated  wants,  and,  was  always  busy 
until  everything  was  ship-shape,  when  he  would 
sing  odd  songs  and  smoke  his  pipe  alternately. 

Delano  and  the  captain  held  a  consultation 
with  these  two  men ;  made  out  lists  of  articles  and 
supplies  for  the  voyage,  and  ordered  Merangue  to 
receive  and  receipt  for  them,  and  see  them  stowed 
in  the  lockers  and  transoms,  where  they  would  be 
handy.  The  yacht  Orinda  lay  well  off  the  shore 
in  the  deep  water  of  the  channel,  and  Delano  sign- 
ed a  receipt  for  her,  requested  the  men  to  get  on 
board  before  dark,  and  have  everything  ready  for 
sea  as  soon  as  possible.  Then  he  and  the  captain 
went  up  town,  ordered  the  stores  delivered  next 
day,  purchased  some  things  for  personal  use,  and 
caught  the  last  train  for  Woods  Hole  and  Capa- 
wock.  It  had  been  a  busy  day  for  them,  but  they 
had  acted  with  the  usual  energy  of  Americans, 
who  knew  what  they  wanted  and  how  to  get  it. 


THE    SEA    LETTER  153 

There  was  a  grand  celebration  of  music,  fire- 
works and  social  festivities,  the  3ist.  of  August, 
to  wind  up  the  season.  Lake  Anthony  was  a  blaze 
of  red  fire,  stars,  serpents,  fountains,  bombs, 
rockets  and  fiery  figures :  small  yachts,  covered  by 
flags  and  Chinese  lanterns,  filled  the  snug  harbor 
from  the  jetties  to  the  causeway  :  the  band  played 
upon  a  grand  stand  in  Washington  Park  :  the  paths, 
streets,  groves  and  cottages  were  filled  by  a  joy- 
ous throng  of  well-dressed  people;  and  long 
lines  of  buggies,  phaetons,  surreys  and  traps  were 
occupied  by  the  elite  of  the  summer  colonies.  It 
was  interesting  to  see  twenty  thousand  or  more 
people  on  pleasure  bent,  covering  the  hillsides  and 
the  cottage  piazzas,  uttering  "  ahs  !  "  and  "ohs  !"  at 
the  showers  of  colored  stars,  and  swaying  with  great 
waves  of  applause  and  enthusiasm  at  the  close  of 
favorite  numbers  by  the  band.  "It  is  little  that 
makes  the  glad  laugh,"  and  these  merry  people 
laughed  easily  and  often,  and  appeared  to  be  very 
happy.  Long  after  the  ending  of  the  display  and 
the  concert,  the  cottages,  villas  and  hotels  were  re- 
splendent with  light ;  the  hills  of  E —  echoed  back 
merry  greetings  and  ripples  of  laughter,  and  the 
man  in  the  moon  exchanged  winks  with  sweet 
creatures  in  challie  and  tulle. 

Delano  and  the  captain  had  made  several 
trips  to  Boston,  gotten  the  stores  on  board  and  all 
preparations  were  made  for  sailing;  and  the  yacht 
was  anchored  off  South  Boston  in  charge  of  Me- 


1 54  THE     SEA     LETTER 

rangue.  Their  reticence  and  frequent  absence  had 
caused  considerable  talk  and  curiosity  among  their 
friends,  but  they  were  all  soon  to  part  and  busy 
packing  and  planning  for  home  or  other  resorts, 
and  Delano  was  not  pestered  by  many  questions, 
nor  annoyed  by  drafts  upon  his  confidence.  It 
was  noticed  that  his  manner  had  become  hurried 
and  brusque ;  his  mind  was  filled  with  anticipa- 
tions of  the  cruise,  and  he  often  read  over  the  mys- 
terious directions  of  the  sea  letter  in  the  hope  of 
extracting  more  meaning  than  was  apparent  in  its 
phraseology. 

This  last  evening  he  devoted  to  his  friends, 
and  was  as  gay  and  gallant  as  any  of  his  party. 
They  promenaded  through  the  parks  and  along  the 
sea-wall ;  watched  the  glint  of  moonlight  upon  the 
water ;  commented  upon  the  costumes  and  the 
conduct  of  passers-by ;  took  refreshments  at  the 
cafe,  and  separated  at  midnight  in  joyous  moods. 
Delano  talked  sense  with  Gabrielle  and  nonsense 
with  Laura ;  advised  with  Thompson  concerning 
his  return  coaching  trip  to  New  York,  and  in- 
structed Jack  about  his  dogs  and  horses.  He 
watched  Gabrielle  and  Laura,  as  they  walked  arm- 
in-arm  along  the  hotel  piazza,  and  through  the  hall ; 
lifted  his  hat  as  they  waved  their  hands  at  him  in 
adieu,  and  walked  slowly  and  thoughtfully  over  to 
his  lodgings,  where  he  and  the  captain  talked  and 
smoked  for  an  hour. 


CHAPTER    XII. 


When  the  hotel  guests  were  coming  down  to 
breakfast  next  morning,  Delano  and  the  captain 
were  across  the  Sound  upon  the  "Dude  Train," 
speeding  through  the  morning  mists  to  Boston. 
They  proceeded  immediately  to  the  Point,  sig- 
nalled Orinda  for  a  boat,  and  were  taken  on  board 
from  the  Boston  Yacht  Club  landing-stage,  where 
Delano  had  right  by  courtesy  through  his  member- 
ship in  the  Marblehead  Corinthian.  They  looked 
over  the  pretty  yacht,  and  were  pleased  with  the 
comfort  of  their  quarters  and  the  trim  appearance 
of  the  little  ship.  They  put  their  baggage  in  one 
of  the  after  bunks;  the  charts,  coast-pilot,  log-book 
and  oil-suits  in  the  other;  Delano  selected  the 
forward  starboard  berth  and  the  captain  took  the 
port  one,  and  they  arranged  their  toilet  articles 
and  clothes  in  the  drawers  beneath.  The  sailors 
had  already  stowed  the  stores  and  got  their  kits 
into  place  in  the  forecastle,  and  Merangue  report- 
ed the  cutter  alow  and  aloft  all  ready  for  sea. 


156  THE    SEA    LETTER 

Bob  rushed  a  luncheon  and  all  enjoyed  their 
first  meal  afloat.  Clearing  off ;  looking  over  the 
chart ;  noting  the  wind,  sky,  tide  and  weather 
report,  and  some  calculations  of  time  and  distance, 
kept  them  occupied  awhile :  then  they  hoisted 
the  mainsail,  ran  up  the  ensign  to  the  peak  and 
the  South  Boston  Yacht  Club  signal  to  the  truck, 
weighed  anchor,  set  the  stay-sail  and  jib,  and, 
turning  lazily  around,  began  the  eventful  voyage, 
which  deeply  concerned  several  persons  of  the 
summer  colony. 

The  gentle  westerly  wind  stretched  the 
snowy  canvas  and  tugged  at  the  sheets,  as  the 
yacht  slid  past  Fort  Independence,  the  bold  bluffs 
of  Long  Island,  and  Deer  Island's  treacherous, 
tide-swept  point,  and  when  the  sheets  were 
trimmed  in,  Bug  Light  and  the  Beacon  passed, 
and  the  gaff  and  jibtopsail  set,  she  fairly  leaped 
over  the  tide-rips  and  billows  of  Broad  Sound  to- 
ward the  northeast.  All  watched  the  yacht's  move- 
ments with  pleasure  and  interest,  as  they  talked 
of  the  shoals  and  reefs  that  threaten  vessels  bound 
to  Boston,  and  of  wrecks  upon  "The  Graves"  and 
"Brewsters."  The  bell  and  whistling  buoys  sound- 
ed ominous,  but  the  course  was  clear  and  Nahant 
was  soon  abeam,  a  picture  of  gray  and  green  on  a 
blue  back-ground  of  sky  and  sea.  Two  hours  from 
the  start  Orinda  was  off  the  Beacon  and  Marble- 
head  Light,  where  she  met  a  cloud  of  yachts  com- 
ing around  the  point,  and  they  saw  that  races  were 


THE    SEA    LETTER  15; 

in  progress.  There  were  forty  or  fifty  white-winged 
beauties  flying  over  the  courses,  some  upon  the 
starboard  tack,  some  upon  the  port,  and  some 
reaching  and  running  for  marks  and  stakeboats, 
and  Delano  tacked  and  sped  along  with  the  lead- 
ers towards  Egg  Rock. 

It  was  a  lovely  racing  day,  the  sea  was  moder- 
ate, the  sun  shining  golden,  the  wind  westerly  and 
too  strong  for  all  sail;  but  some  yachts  dragged 
their  lee  rails  under  water,  and  others  flew  along  un- 
der single  reefs.  The  exhibition  of  many  beauti- 
ful yachts,  striving  for  victory  and  exemplifying 
every  point  of  sailing  ;  the  sparkling  spray ;  the 
dainty  dash  of  waves  from  Orinda's  bow,  and  the 
exquisite  scenery  along  shore  from  Marblehead  to 
Nahant,  gave  a  picture  of  genuine  yachting,  and 
excited  the  liveliest  interest  and  enthusiasm. 

The  race  went  along  rapidly,  and  the  yachts 
were  soon  headed  towards  the  point  and  around 
into  the  harbor  past  the  Judges'  Boat,  where  the 
Judges  stood,  watch  in  hand,  taking  the  time  of 
crossing  the  line  abreast  of  the  Corinthian  Club 
House. 

Orinda  was  anchored  in  midchannel  beyond, 
and  her  crew  watched  the  finish  and  gun-fire  for 
the  "Firsts"  with  keen  delight.  The  harbor  was 
crowded  with  pleasure  boats  and  yachts  of  all  di- 
mensions and  description  ; -a  great  multitude  of 
well-dressed  people  occupied  the  two  club-houses, 
the  lawns,  landings  and  hillsides  of  the  Neck ;  the 


I5S  THE    SEA    LETTER 

Corinthian  band  was  playing  in  the  stand  out  upon 
the  rocky  point,  and  the  sky  was  flecked  by  rain- 
bows of  colored  flags  and  signals  of  bunting  upon 
the  vessels  and  buildings. 

The  racers  anchored  inside  the  line ;  the  great 
fleet  of  marine  birds  folded  its  wings;  decks  were 
swept ;  ropes  coiled  and  faked  down ;  supper  was 
served  upon  deck  or  below,  and  quiet  reigned 
awhile.  The  moon  rose  full  and  silvered  the  rip- 
pling water ;  yachts  full  of  merrymakers  were  every- 
where, and  many  sweet  singers  and  musicians 
were  abroad.  The  windows  and  houses  reflected 
the  numerous  lights  around;  the  club-house  was 
brilliant  with  colored  Chinese  lanterns  and  bursting 
with  music,  and  the  sound  of  the  surf  was  like  the 
humming  of  bees.  The  happy  yachtsmen  and 
their  friends  listened  and  contributed  to  the  music, 
stories,  shouts  and  general  jollification,  while  the 
fireworks  upon  the  yachts  and  along  the  shore 
paled  the  moonlight,  and  added  brilliant  hued  stars 
to  the  heavenly  constellations. 

The  fun,  noise  and  splendor  continued  until 
midnight,  when  pandemonium  burst  open,  as  the 
silvery  sound  of  eight -bells  was  repeated  by  the 
yachts  around.  Horns,  whistles,  bells,  banjos,  gui- 
tars, flutes,  bugles  and  drums,  broke  out  in  a  din 
that  drowned  all  else  and  made  early  sleepers 
weary.  Then  catcalls,  baseball  slang  and  golf  talk, 
mingled  in  the  turmoil.  But  it  became  quieter,  as 
the  knowledge  that  it  was  the  Sabbath  came  to  one 


THE    SEA    LETTER  159 

and  another,  or  persons  ceased  from  exhaustion 
and  sleepiness,  though  occasional  shouts,  horn-blasts 
and  laughter  punctured  the  silence  and  pierced  the 
ears  of  the  lighter  sleepers. 

Delano  and  the  captain  spent  part  of  the 
evening  at  the  club;  partook  of  the  excellent  re- 
past set  out  for  members  and  their  guests,  and 
scrambled  over  the  Neck  looking  at  the  illumina- 
tions of  the  cottages.  Then  struggling  through 
the  clouds  of  lawn,  muslin,  challie  and  silk  on  the 
piazzas  at  the  Corinthian,  they  found  a  quiet  cor- 
ner where  they  could  see  the  people,  the  fireworks 
and  the  moonlit  harbor,  and  have  a  quiet  smoke. 
The  captain  was  dazzled  and  delighted,  and  said 
it  reminded  him  of  naval  receptions  in  foreign 
countries;  but  Delano,  though  pleased  by  the  ex- 
hibition, could  not  suppress  a  feeling  of  loneliness 
and  thoughts  of  the  dear  ones  at  Capawock. 

They  looked  much  and  talked  little  until 
eight-bells,  midnight,  sounded,  when  they  went 
down  to  the  landing-stage,  Delano  gave  a  call  up- 
on his  silver  whistle,  Orinda's  boat  came  and  took 
them  on  board,  and  they  turned  in  immediately, 
after  arranging  for  Bob  and  Merangue  to  stand 
anchor-watch  alternately  every  two  hours  until 
morning.  Such  was  the  finish  of  the  gala  day, 
and  one  of  the  successful  races  of  the  Marblehead 
Corinthian. 

The  next  morning  the  yacht  was  got  under 
way  in  a  stiff  easterly  breeze,  and  threw  the 


160  THE    SEA    LETTER 

sparkling  spray  over  them  in  a  dead  beat  to  wind- 
ward. The  fine  scenery  of  the  North  shore  rend- 
ered them  oblivious  to  a  little  wetting  and  tumbling 
about,  and  they  anchored  before  sunset  among  the 
fishermen  and  fish  odors  in  the  harbor  of  Glouces- 
ter. The  yacht  was  away  at  daylight,  passed 
inside  Thatcher's  Island  and  around  Cape  Ann, 
with  its  seaside  homes  from  Rockport  to  Halibut 
Point,  dashed  through  the  Isles  of  Shoals,  sailed  up 
the  Piscataqua  River,  and  anchored  in  Pepperell's 
Cove  before  the  village  of  Kittery. 

It  began  soon  to  blow  heavily  from  the  north- 
east, rain  fell  in  torrents,  and  the  four  voyagers, 
confident  of  their  own  comfort  and  safety,  smoked 
and  spun  yarns  all  the  evening. 

"It  is  lucky  we  came  here  instead  of  remain- 
ing in  Gosport  Harbor  at  the  Shoals,"  remarked 
Delano. 

"There  is  no  luck  in  it.  You  mean  we  show- 
ed good  judgment  coming  here.  A  small  craft 
should  be  in  a  safe,  land-locked  harbor  every  night," 
growled  the  captain. 

The  gale  blew  itself  out  by  daylight;  many 
vessels  had  crept  in,  guided  by  the  foghorn  and 
lights,  and  the  sea  was  heavy,  but  the  captain 
made  sail  and  ran  up  to  Cape  Porpoise,  where  he 
confessed  before  two  days  that  luck  had  saved 
them  from  destruction. 

The  northeast  wind  had  commenced  to  blow 
again;  the  inshore  current  was  running  strong; 


THE    SEA    LETTEP  161 

the  sea  was  rising  fast,  and  the  sky  and  barometer 
foretold  bad  weather.  The  narrow,  obscure  en- 
trance to  Cape  Porpoise  harbor  appeared  a  wall  of 
woolly  foam;  the  flag  in  the  rigging  for  a  pilot 
attracted  no  attention  at  the  light-house;  Eldridge's 
Coast  Pilot  warned  of  the  many  dangers,  and  night 
was  coming  fast.  They  turned  away  from  the  en- 
trance with  dispair  and  foreboding. 

"We  must  try  Stage  Harbor,  though  I  do  not 
like  its  looks,  for  darkness  is  upon  us,"  said  the 
captain  decidedly. 

"All  right,  Captain,"  replied  Delano,  and 
they  tacked  ship. 

"What  is  that?"  cried  Delano,  pointing  sea- 
ward. "A  dory !  Glory !  a  belated  fisherman 
bound  home.  He  can  pilot  us  in." 

The  captain  whistled  and  shifted  the  helm  a 
little. 

"Can  you  take  us  into  Cape  Porpoise?" 
shouted  Delano,  to  the  lone  fisherman  curled  up  in 
oil-skins. 

"Aye!  aye  !  foller  right  along  arter  me — I'm 
going  in,"  was  the  cheering  and  cheerful  reply. 

Sail  was  shortened,  the  dory  was  followed, 
and,  in  ten  minutes,  Orinda  was  swinging  to  a 
mooring  safe  inside  the  narrow  harbor.  The  fish- 
erman pulled  alongside. 

"  Bless  you,  Captain  !  you  have  saved  us  from 
disaster.  What  shall  I  pay  you  ?"  said  Delano. 


162  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"Nothin';  I  don't  charge  nothin'  fur  helpin' 
a  fellar  bein'  in  distress,"  replied  the  kind  old 
sea-dog. 

"  We  are  greatly  obliged.  Here  take  this," 
and  Delano  handed  him  a  silver  dollar. 

"Thank  yer,  Captain.  I'll  bring  yer  a  good 
cod  to-morror.  I  thought  you  mighty  curragus  to 
beat  up  shore  in  a  nor'easter  and  night  comin'  on. 
Thought  you  wus  goin'  inter  Stage  Harbor.  Knew 
what  yer  wanted  the  minute  yer  kept  off.  Wall, 
must  be  goin'  hum  to  clean  my  fish,"  and  the 
grizzly-bearded,  weather-beaten,  old  salt  sailed  far- 
ther up  the  channel. 

A  thick  mist  and  pitch  darkness  soon  spread 
over  the  landscape;  it  began  to  rain  heavily,  and 
the  wind  blew  a  strong  gale  from  the  northeast, 
which  lasted  thirty-six  hours. 

"  Do  you  think  Orinda  would  have  weathered 
the  gale?"  asked  Delano  of  the  captain  at  the  end 
of  the  second  day. 

The  captain  shook  his  head  slowly  and  re- 
plied, "  I've  got  nothing  to  say  against  luck  any- 
more, sir.  It  was  a  narrow  squeak." 

The  third  day,  after  awalktoKennebunkport, 
a  pleasant  run  was  made  to  Portland  ;  the  fourth 
day,  the  yacht  picked  the  way  among  the  lovely 
isles  of  Casco  Bay  out  to  sea  by  Mark  Island  mon- 
ument, and,  passing  inside  Seguin  Island  and  by 
the  turbulent  currents  off  the  Kennebec  River, 


X 

h 


THE    SEA    LETTER  163 

entered  Booth  Bay  and  anchored  above  Squirrel 
Island  in  the  snug  harbor  of  Townsend. 

Away  Orinda  crept  next  morning  to  the  east 
in  the  glow  of  sunrise,  with  all  sail  set  and  colors 
flying.  Storm  signals  were  up  from  Hatteras  to 
Eastport,  and  a  fisherman  had  seen  a  sun-dog  the 
day  previous.  But  the  yachtsmen  disregarded  the 
warnings,  breakfasted  off  Pemaquid  Point,  shot 
seal  in  Davis  Straits  and  saluted  the  light-keeper  at 
White  Head,  as  they  entered  Penobscot,  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  bays  in  the  world.  They  ran  gaily 
past  Owl's  Head,  as  its  lights  flashed  out  upon  the 
water,  and  anchored  in  front  of  Rockland. 

The  sun-dog  was  a  day  too  early.  It  rained 
and  blew  a  little  next  day,  but  they  sailed  up  the 
Western  bay,  getting  water-colored  views  of  Cam- 
den  mountains  and  Northport  camp-ground  on  the 
left,  and  a  chain  of  fine  islands  on  the  right,  and 
dropped  anchor  at  B — ,  where  Passagassawakeag 
River  mingles  its  trout  waters  with  the  sea. 

B —  is  an  ancient  place  which  was  settled  by 
Irishmen,  who  assembled  around  its  frog-pond  and 
fought  for  acreage.  It  was  formerly  renowned  for 
its  fishing-fleet,  ship-building,  fertile  farms,  sup- 
plies of  produce,  and  strong  belief  in  spiritualism. 
Believers  in  occult  science  held  at  one  period  the 
balance  of  power  in  politics,  and  elected  city  officers 
by  nominating  spiritualists  of  the  minority  party. 
Social  circles  were  devoted  to  spirit-rapping,  table- 
tipping,  receiving  messages,  trances,  dark  stances, 


1 64  THE    SEA    LETTER 

hand-grasping  circles,  emotional  singing,  weird 
manifestations,  and  heavenly  communications. 
Men  and  women  of  hysterical  temperament  had 
their  individuality  temporarily  effaced  and 
their  minds  subordinated  to  those  of  Indian  chiefs 
and  princesses,  who  had  left  their  wigwams  in  the 
"  Happy  Hunting  Ground,"  and  returned  to  earth 
with  secrets  from  beyond  the  veil.  These  came 
from  the  lips  of  the  white  mediums  in  so  called 
Indian  language,  which  was  readily  translated  in- 
to English  by  those  possessed.  The  presence  of 
Indian  spirits  at  a  seance  was  a  trump  card  for  the 
hostess  who  received,  and  was,  compared  to  hav- 
ing pale-faced  spirits,  like  wearing  diamonds  where 
the  gems  were  scarce. 

Educated  and  uneducated  persons  there  con- 
sulted mediums  before  starting  upon  a  journey, 
hunting  for  lost  things,  making  an  investment,  or 
consenting  to  matrimony;  and  mediums  took  an 
active  part  (for  fees)  in  the  medical  treatment  of 
disease;  in  fact,  took  charge  of  patients  and  dic- 
tated the  remedies  to  be  administered,  to  the  great 
disgust  and  indignation  of  the  regular  profession. 
Indicating  places  to  strike  veins  of  water,  mines  of 
valuable  ore,  and  buried  treasures  of  famous 
pirates,  furnished  lucrative  employment  for  many 
mediums,  and  set  their  patrons  to  digging,  blast- 
ing and  speculating  under  secret  oaths  on  moonless 
nights.  The  craze  spread  all  over  New  England.  The 
surface  of  that  pretty  country  was  defaced ;  groves 


THE    SEA    LETTER  165 

were  cut  down,  points  disappeared,  great  excava- 
tions were  made,  solid  ledges  were  shattered,  and 
over  all  an  uncanny,  supernatural  mystery  rested 
in  a  halo  of  exaggeration,  curiosity  and  fear.  Chil- 
dren were  afraid  of  darkness — of  seeing  things  at 
night;  wanderers  abroad  after  sunset  saw  sheeted 
ghosts  in  wash-clothes  and  sheep  pastures,  and 
families  were  terrorized  by  unaccountable  noises 
about  their  dwellings.  So  excited  and  nervously 
overwrought  were  many  persons,  that  ill-balanced 
intellects  gave  way,  the  Insane  Asylums  received 
unusual  accessions,  and  the  number  of  suicides  was 
largely  augmented. 

Limitation  of  spiritual  development,  disap- 
pointment, deception,  and  exposure  of  frauds, 
brought  a  more  reasonable  state  of  mind  in  the 
followers  and  fanatics  after  awhile,  and  many  re- 
turned to  scientific  analysis  of  phenomena  and  to 
the  bosom  of  the  church.  But  there  are  ardent 
believers  in  Spiritualism  still,  and  one  is  liable  to 
meet  them,  and  to  learn  of  their  divinations  and 
digging  in  out  of  the  way  places,  just  as  the  voy- 
agers did,  which  will  be  exposed  farther  along. 

Orinda  left  the  little  city  of  B — ,  one  morning 
at  eight  o'clock,  passed  Turtle  Head  into  the  East- 
ern bay  in  an  hour,  caught  a  glimpse  of  Castine, 
rounded  Cape  Rosier  and  sailed  through  pictur- 
esque Eggemoggin  Reach  before  dinner.  A  dash 
across  Union  Hall  Bay  and  a  rush  through  York 
Narrows,  brought  the  voyagers  in  sight  of  the 


1 66  THE    SEA    LETTER 

rounded  cones  of  Mount  Desert,  which  can  never 
be  mistaken  for  any  other  land  upon  the  coast.  It 
contrasts  the  sandy  beach  and  dangerous  precipice, 
sunny  valleys  and  dark  forests,  and  purple  heights 
and  satin  clouds.  It  is  royal  in  its  apparel  and 
regal  in  its  stateliness.  Here,  the  mountains  do 
homage  to  Amphitrite,  and  her  mermaids  sing  in 
the  caves  of  the  overhanging  cliffs. 

The  captain,  piloted  by  Merangue,  steered 
along  the  shingle  beach,  around  the  bell  buoy  off 
the  Nubble,  across  the  bar  between  Great  Cran- 
berry Island  and  the  Stone  Wall,  and  anchored  near 
the  wharf  in  Southwest  Harbor.  Here  they 
were  at  last,  ready  to  prosecute  the  search  direct- 
ed by  the  sea  letter.  They  could  see  the  narrow 
passage  between  the  Cranberry  Isles,  and  Green- 
ings Island  in  the  entrance  to  Somes  Sound. 


CHAPTER   XIII. 


Delano  let  the  crew  go  ashore  during  the 
evening,  and  had  a  long  conversation  with  the 
captain  about  future  proceedings.  They  decided 
to  remain  at  anchor  a  few  days  and  ramble  over 
the  island  like  any  tourists,  in  order  to  allay  sus- 
spicion  ;  and  it  was  wise,  because  the  fishy  eyes  of 
the  natives  watched  their  movements,  and  they 
were  discussed  every  night  at  the  grocery  near  the 
wharf. 

Therefore,  next  day,  they  drove  around  the 
shore  of  the  harbor  to  the  Stone  Wall,  examined 
the  hotels  on  King's  Point,  showed  great  interest 
in  the  cottages  and  saleable  house  lots,  and  com- 
missioned the  driver  to  find  out  prices.  The  next 
time,  they  drove  over  the  hills,  examined  the  shore 
line,  and  selected  a  little  cove  beyond  a  small 
mountain,  as  a  suitable  place  for  their  rendezvous. 
They  drove  to  Somesville  one  day,  made  a  careful 
study  of  the  hills  and  valleys  along  the  Sound,  and 
had  dinner.  Somesville  dinners  were  famous 
among  tourists. 


1 68  THE    SEA    LETTER 

Another  excursion  took  them  across  the  island 
to  Bar  Harbor,  and  along  the  lovely  shore  of  Otter 
Cliffs  and  Schooner  Head ;  and  they  climbed 
Green  Mountain  and  dined  at  the  Summit  House. 
They  looked  down  upon  a  map  of  land  and 
water.  Forests  of  pine  and  spruce  fringed  the 
shore  and  buried  the  ravines,  and  Eagle  Lake  lay 
like  a  sapphire  set  in  emerald.  The  mountains 
fell  away  north  into  the  green  meadows  of  Eden ; 
the  eyes  ran  sixty  miles  over  woodlands,  islands 
and  arms  of  the  sea  to  the  purple  Camden  Moun- 
tains, and  beyond,  definite  but  misty,  towered 
Mount  Katahdin,  1 10  miles  distant. 

Union  Hill  Bay  lay  to  the  west;  Frenchman's 
Bay,  east,  with  Sorrento  like  a  jewel  at  its  throat; 
Southwest  Harbor  and  Somesville  were  like  toy 
Swiss  villages,  and  the  Sound  resembled  a  thread  of 
silver  in  green  plush.  Vessels  appeared  like  in- 
sects with  wings  outstretched,  and  Cranberry 
Islands  reached  out  arms  like  an  octopus  seeking 
food.  Otter  Cliffs,  Schooner  Head  and  Mount  De- 
sert shores,  with  beautiful  villas  upon  every  vant- 
age point,  were  sharply  outlined  by  the  velvet  sea  ; 
and  below,  almost  at  their  feet,  lay  the  gem  of  the 
coast,  Bar  harbor. 

A  week  had  passed  in  exploration  and  obser- 
vation, when  the  yacht  was  sailed  into  the  Sound 
and  anchored  in  the  cove  behind  the  small  moun- 
tain. The  pretty  valley  upon  the  north  shore  of 
the  promontory  had  a  great  hill  on  the  east  and 


THE    SEA    LETTER  169 

high  beetling  crags  on  the  west,  which  shut  off 
observation  from  the  harbor  and  main  road 
behind.  The  explorers  pitched  a  tent  in  the  valley 
near  a  spring,  built  a  stone  fireplace,  landed  some 
of  their  outfit,  and  remained  ashore  much  of  the 
time,  which  was  a  great  relief  from  their  cramped 
quarters  upon  the  yacht. 

Delano  and  the  captain  took  the  boat  daily 
and  went  along  the  western  shore  of  the  Sound 
and  examined  carefully  all  its  approaches  and  pre- 
cipitous crags.  The  geological  formation  coin- 
cided with  the  description  in  the  sea  letter,  but  the 
shore  was  so  overgrown  with  weeds,  bushes  and 
trees  that  progress  was  slow  and  laborious.  They 
returned  to  camp  with  blue  berries,  blackberries, 
clams  and  fish,  which  served  to  allay  any  curiosity 
their  long  absences  might  have  otherwise  excited. 

They  landed  upon  the  shore  one  morning, 
where  the  bushes  was  very  thick  and  the  black- 
berries large  and  luscious,  and,  as  they  pushed 
their  way  inland,  they  were  startled  by  the  ap- 
pearance of  a  young  girl,  standing  upon  a  ledge 
above  them,  who  gave  a  frightened  glance  and 
rushed  back  into  the  woods.  The  glimpse  they 
had  of  her  black,  tangled  hair;  restless,  black 
eyes ;  thin,  freckled  face,  and  lithe  form,  clothed 
in  rough  garments,  gave  them  an  impression  of  a 
witch  of  the  woods.  They  climbed  the  bank  and 
were  suddenly  confronted  by  a  man,  who  carried 


1 70  THE    SEA    LETTER 

menacingly  a  large  stick,  and  gruffly  demanded 
what  they  were  doing  there. 

"Merely  gathering  blackberries,"  answered 
Delano  pleasantly. 

"  But  you  have  no  right  to  land  here  ;  this  is 
God's-acre,  and  is  in  my  care,"  said  the  stranger, 
as  he  towered  above  them  and  handled  the  club 
uneasily. 

He  was  a  strange  character  to  meet  in  such 
an  out-of-the-way  place,  and  they  looked  him 
over  critically.  He  stood  erect  about  six  feet; 
his  body  was  well  proportioned,  and  his  head  was 
covered  by  a  panama,  which  he  removed  to  wipe 
his  forehead — for  he  had  evidently  hurried  to  bar 
their  progress.  His  head  was  rather  wide  at  the 
base,  full  behind  and  over  the  eyes,  sloped  back- 
ward from  the  frontal  prominences,  and  rose  in  a 
high  dome  above.  Silvery-gray  hair  clustered 
around  his  partly  bald  crown  and  hung  in  long 
locks  to  his  shoulders.  The  whiskers  were  the 
same  color,  worn  full,  and  reached  the  middle  of 
his  breast,  and  his  long  mustache  was  nearly  black. 
His  black  eyes  were  shaded  by  thick  eyelashes 
and  shaggy  eyebrows,  and  seemed  to  look  inde- 
pendently each  side  of  his  aquiline  nose,  which 
gave  an  impression  of  impertinent  penetration,  or 
haughty  defiance.  The  lips  were  full  and  cut 
sharply  as  in  a  statue ;  the  ears  were  well-shaped, 
and  the  rounded  chin  and  strong  neck  were  partly 
hidden  by  hair. 


THE    SEA    LETTER  171 

Indeed,  he  was  a  hairy  hermit;  but  the  fine 
quality  of  his  tattered  garments,  seen  between  the 
folds  of  a  cashmere  dressing-gown,  which  envel- 
oped him  from  chin  to  toes ;  the  shape  and  fineness 
of  his  dilapidated  boots ;  his  fluent  speech,  and  im- 
perious self-possession,  were  proofs  that  he  had 
been  formerly  a  man  of  ample  possessions  and 
political  importance  elsewhere  than  in  the  wilder- 
ness where  they  had  found  him. 

"You  will  not  go  ?"  asked  he  fiercely. 

"Yes,  we  will  go,"  said  Delano,  looking  at  the 
captain,  and  moving  towards  the  boat. 

"  Nay,  you  shall  not  go!"  shouted  the  hermit, 
running  around  in  front  of  them  and  flourishing 
the  stick. 

"Then  we  will  stay,"  replied  Delano  quietly, 
though  he  felt  his  muscles  hardening. 

"  You  seem  to  be  good  men,  and  shall  remain 
and  see  my  cabin  and  my  daughter,"  said  he,  as 
he  threw  aside  the  club  and  sprang  up  the  decliv- 
ity, beckoning  them  to  follow,  which  they  did 
cautiously.  Delano  shifted  his  revolver  into  the 
outside  pocket  of  his  coat.  They  followed  him 
back  through  bushes  and  trees,  across  a  ledge,  and 
came  in  sight  of  a  small  log  cabin  in  the  edge  of 
the  forest. 

"This  is  my  mansion,"  said  he  in  a  tone  of 
grandiloquence,  with  a  flourish  of  his  hand.  "Here 
I  follow  the  mandates  of  my  mission.  You  see 
nothing — your  eyes  are  clouded  in  the  flesh — they 


172  THE     SEA     LETTER 

are  not  sharpened  by  spiritual  intercourse — you 
cannot  penetrate  beyond  the  veil.  Look  at  your 
feet !  Do  you  not  see  those  arrows  in  the  ledge  all 
pointing  in  one  direction?  Mark  the  crumbling 
stone  where  the  cement  joins  near  the  north 
side.  Do  you  not  agree  those  arrows  were  chiselled 
in  the  solid  rock  for  a  purpose?" 

The  old  man  grasped  their  arms  forcibly  and 
traced  with  his  long  index  finger  the  fissures  upon 
the  surface  of  the  great  mass  of  trap-rock,  which 
had  formed  the  flattened  ridge  in  cooling,  and  had 
been  eroded  by  centuries  of  running  water  and 
chemical  decomposition.  He  was  enthusiastic,  ex- 
cited and  fierce  in  his  language  and  manner ;  and 
they  were  startled  and  anxious,  as  they  caught 
the  wild  gleam  of  his  eyes  and  noted  his  swift  pan- 
ther-like movements. 

"  These  are  natural  fissures  in  the  ledge,  and 
they  follow  the  trend  of  the  formation,"  remarked 
Delano  mildly. 

The  captain  looked  on  in  silence. 

"  Nonsense  !  young  man  ;  they  were  cut  by 
human  hands  years  ago.  They  point  towards 
the  spot  where  a  great  treasure  lies  buried  in  the 
ledge,  covered  by  a  cement  so  like  the  rock  it  is 
difficult  to  determine  any  difference."  He  turned 
upon  them  quickly  and  drew  a  dagger  from  inside 
his  wrapper,  which  caused  them  to  step  back  quick- 
ly, and  Delano  to  grasp  his  revolver.  "  Have  no 
fear,"  said  he  smiling,  "I  only  wish  to  bind  you  to 


THE    SEA   LETTER  173 

secrecy,"  and  he  held  the  weapon  by  the  blade  and 
presented  the  jewelled  handle,  which  was  in  the 
form  of  a  cross,  to  Delano.  "  Take  hold  of  the 
cross  and  say  after  me,  I  hereby  and  hereon  sol- 
emnly swear,  that  I  will  not  betray  the  secrets  of 
this  place  to  any  person,  as  long  as  the  explor- 
ations are  in  progress,  so  help  me  God !  "  Delano 
repeated  the  oath.  "Now kiss  the  cross."  He  did 
as  requested.  Then  the  captain  passed  through 
the  same  ordeal  and  winked  at  Delano.  They  be- 
gan to  believe  they  were  associated  with  a  lunatic, 
but  they  were  tumbling  into  luck.  They  thought 
the  hermit  was  working  out  their  problem,  and 
were  anxious  to  know  how  much  he  knew,  and 
what  success  he  had  had. 

"Where  did  you  get  this  dagger?"  asked 
Captain  Oliver,  as  they  examined  its  rusty  blade, 
and  handle  set  with  jewels. 

"I  found  it  lying  in  a  crevice  of  the  ledge, 
covered  by  a  flat  stone,  and  pointed  towards  the 
cliff  yonder.  Do  you  see  anything  remarkable 
there?" 

They  looked  at  the  perpendicular  wall  of  rock 
towering  above  them,  discolored  by  lichens  and 
mosses,  and  shook  their  heads. 

"  Do  you  not  see  high  up  in  that  smoother 
part  the  figure  of  a  cross  ?  There,  where  the  mass 
of  green  bulges  out  of  a  crevice,  and  the  vines 
droop  from  the  brink  of  the  precipice  ? " 


i;4  THE    SEA    LETTER 

Delano  grasped  the  captain's  arm  nervously 
and  pointed  to  the  cross.  It  was  plain  enough 
after  once  made  clear,  and  they  were  surprised 
they  had  not  seen  it  before,  but  smothered  their  ex- 
citement at  the  discovery  of  another  of  the  im- 
portant guides  mentioned  in  the  sea  letter. 

"  O,  yes  ;  we  see  the  cross  now  distinctly," 
said  the  captain — "and  the  dagger  was  pointed 
toward  it  ? " 

"  Yes,"  said  the  hermit.  "  I  did  not  pick  it 
up  immediately.  It  had  stones  placed  each  side 
of  the  handle  and  the  blade  to  keep  it  in  place, 
and  I  consulted  the  spirits  and  studied  its  position 
some  days  before  disturbing  it.  I  noticed  some 
of  the  arrows  pointed  in.  the  same  direction,  and 
then  I  knew  the  cross  must  be  a  guide  to  the 
treasure." 

"Treasure?  Guide?  What  do  you  mean?" 
asked  the  captain  in  a  tone  of  feigned  surprise. 

"  Remember  your  oaths !  There  is  untold 
wealth  buried  here — gold,  jewels  and  valuable  doc- 
uments — my  guiding  spirit  says  so — I  am  going 
to  find  it  by  spiritual  aid — I  am  working  under 
spiritual  direction." 

"Does  anyone  else  know  of  this?"  asked 
Delano. 

"Not  a  soul  except  myself,  my  daughter  and 
— the  spirits." 

"How  long  have  you  been  here?" 

"  About  six  months." 


THE    SEA    LETTER  17$ 

The  captain  and  Delano  exchanged  signifi- 
cant glances.  The  hermit  looked  at  the  cross  with 
an  expression  both  trustful  and  ecstatic,  and  they 
all  remained  silent  awhile.  The  west  wind  rustled 
the  trees  upon  the  mountain  side;  gray  clouds 
swept  in  fanciful  forms  across  the  sky;  the  waves 
murmured  along  the  shore,  and  they  stood  upon 
the  barren  ledge  in  the  shade  of  the  trees,  contem- 
plating mysteries,  and  awed  by  the  supernatural. 

"Cuckoo!  cuckoo!"  came  from  the  forest 
behind  and  startled  them  from  their  reverie. 

"It  is  my  daughter  calling,"  said  the  hermit  in 
answer  to  their  inquiring  looks.  "  She  is  a  regular 
wood  nymph  and  wild  as  a  deer.  Her  mother  is 
often  with  us,  though  not  in  the  flesh — she  died 
years  ago — and  Belita  keeps  our  house.  Come  in 
and  see  the  cabin."  He  opened  a  narrow  door  on 
the  south  side  and  they  entered  the  log-house, 
which  had  a  roof  of  poles  covered  by  spruce  boughs ; 
a  board  floor,  and  one  small  window  in  the  west 
side  closed  by  white  muslin.  The  logs  had  been 
partly  hewed  and  fitted  closely  together,  so  that 
chinking  was  not  necessary.  The  bunks  were 
built  across  one  end.  A  plain  board  table,  a 
bench,  a  stool,  a  chair,  an  oil-stove,  some  tin-ware 
and  a  few  porcelain  dishes,  completed  the  furnish- 
ings. A  gold  watch  and  some  clothing  hung 
against  the  wall ;  a  double-barreled  gun  stood  in 
one  corner,  some  fragments  of  coarse  food  lay  up- 


176  THE    SEA    LETTER 

on  a  shelf,  and  a  lot  of  old  papers  and  books  were 
scattered  around  the  only  room  in  the  building. 

They  sat  down,  and  the  hermit  got  out  what  he 
called  his  "  Spiritual  chart,"  which  represented 
the  coarse  topography  of  the  region  and  a  sketch 
of  the  surface  marks  upon  the  ledge.  The  arrows 
pointed  about  north  towards  a  round  depression  in 
the  ledge  not  far  from  the  foot  of  the  precipice 
bearing  the  figure  of  the  cross.  They  all  went  out 
and  walked  over  the  surface  of  rock  until  they 
came  to  a  pile  of  broken  stones  around  a  cave, 
which  extended  into  the  ridge  and  downward  about 
ten  feet.  Its  upper  walls  appeared  to  have  been 
formed  by  nature  and  were  brown  and  mossy,  but 
the  lower  part  showed  marks  of  the  drill  and  re- 
cent fractures.  The  fragments  of  stone  around 
the  entrance  had  evidently  been  removed  from  be- 
low by  breaking  and  blasting.  Indeed,  a  box 
nearby  held  sledges,  picks,  shovels,  drills,  a  quan- 
tity of  oakum,  a  funnel,  a  powder  flask,  pieces  of 
fuse,  and  some  sticks  of  dynamite.  The  walls  were 
discolored  by  smoke  and  dirt,  and  the  rock  was  so 
dense,  it  had  required  great  labor  to  penetrate  its 
mass.  Nothing,  except  a  hope  of  great  reward, 
and  a  firm  belief  in  success,  could  sustain  a  man 
in  the  tedious  process  of  tunneling  into  it. 

"Here,"  said  the  hermit,  swinging  his  right 
arm,  "is  my  field  of  labor;  in  the  bowels  of  the 
earth,  lie  treasures  beyond  estimation.  The  spirits 
say  so,  and  they  know  all  the  secrets.  By  special 


THE    SEA    LETTER  177 

dispensation,  I  have  been  chosen  worthy  to  recover 
this  wealth,  and  I  shall  again  enjoy  the  luxuries 
and  social  grandeur  belonging  to  me  by  right  of 
inheritance." 

The  yachtsmen  listened  and  looked  around 
them  with  curiosity  and  awe.  The  hermit's  earnest 
confidence  in  his  mission,  his  refined  and  gentle- 
manly manner,  his  foreign  accent,  the  evidence  of 
great  labor  performed,  and  the  union  of  material- 
ism and  spiritualism  in  the  undertaking,  impressed 
them  deeply,  disarmed  their  criticism,  and  awaken- 
ed respect  for,  and  partial  belief  in,  the  hermit's 
claims. 

They.had  come  hundreds  of  miles  through  faith 
in  the  sea  letter ;  followed  its  directions  closely ; 
found  the  ledge,  the  cliff,  the  cross  and  the  cave 
exactly  as  described,  and  could  not  but  believe,  they 
would  find .  something  valuable  in  the  cell  in  the 
north  wall  of  the  cavern.  This  was  a  reasonable 
conclusion,  and,  to  increase  their  faith,  they  had 
encountered  another  person,  who  had  not  been  in 
communication  with  any  of  the  ship-wrecked  crew, 
nor  with  any  living  person  cognizant  of  the  facts, 
in  possession  of  a  knowledge  of  the  signs  and  the 
location  of  the  buried  treasure,  which  he  had  de- 
rived from  occult  sources  that  he  called  spiritual 
and  others  supernatural. 

Greatly  astonished  at  this  confirmation  of  their 
evidence  and  at  the  success  of  their  exploration 
thus  far,  they  saw  themselves  confronted  by  ad- 


1 78  THE    SEA    LETTER 

verse  conditions,  which  were  as  unexpected  as 
novel.  The  hermit  had  no  legal  claim  to  the  land, 
nor  to  the  contents  of  the  cave,  but  he  was  upon 
the  spot  working  and  watching,  and  believed  he 
had  a  right  of  eminent  domain  confided  to  him  by 
the  spirits.  What  man  would  dare  question  such 
a  title  ?  How  could  they,  late  comers,  dispossess 
this  industrious,  vigilant  servant  of  the  spirits  ? 
One  thing  gave  them  hope:  the  hermit,  though 
guided  to  the  cave,  had  not  been  instructed  as  to 
the  exact  position  of  the  treasure,  and  had  spent 
his  strength  in  efforts  to  penetrate  deeper  into  its 
bottom.  If  he  could  be  encouraged  to  continue  in 
this  direction  awhile,  and  his  spiritual  aids  did  not 
reveal  the  little  cell  in  the  north  wall,  they  might 
hit  upon  some  plan  to  complete  their  task. 

"  The  rock  is  very  hard,"  remarked  Delano, 
examining  a  fragment. 

"  Yes,  I  am  obliged  to  sharpen  my  tools  very 
often,"  replied  the  hermit.  "The  cement  the  pir- 
ates laid  over  the  chest  is  harder  than  the  rock  it- 
self." 

"Cement?  Why,  these  fragments  and  frac- 
tures show  you  are  working  in  the  primitive  rock." 

The  hermit  smiled  and  said,  "You  may  think 
so,  but  their  cement  was  of  Egyptian  origin,  and 
had  the  power  of  internal  crystallization  after  a  lapse 
of  time.  Don't  you  see  the  discoloration  made  by 
percolating  water,  while  the  mass  was  contracting 
and  solidifying?" 


THE  LAST  OF  THE   POKAXOKET   INDIANS  AT  GAY  HEAD, 


THE    SEA    LETTER  179 

"  Perhaps — How  deep  do  you  expect  to  blast  ?" 

"  My  instructions  are  to  go  about  four  feet 
down  and  six  inches  horizontally  towards  the 
north." 

Delano  was  disturbed — the  spirits  were  not 
far  astray — but  asked,  "Why  did  you  commence 
in  the  bottom  of  the  cave?"  It  was  a  risky  ques- 
tion, but  he  wished  to  learn  just  how  much  the  her- 
mit and  his  spiritual  guides  knew. 

"  Because  that  is  where  the  arrows  point,  and 
the  cement  showed  cracks  in  the  juncture  with  the 
rock." 

Delano  felt  relieved ;  the  man  was  controlled 
by  reason,  and  was  not  entirely  under  spiritual  es- 
pionage. He  would  continue  the  laborious  blast- 
ing in  the  bottom  of  the  cave. 

"May  I  ask  your  name,  sir?"  said  Delano, 
suddenly  turning  towards  the  hermit. 

"  Certainly ;  it  is  Lucas  Ayllon,  of  St.  Augus- 
tine, Florida  and  yours?" 

("  Caesar  !  the  name  in  our  sea  letter,"  whis- 
pered Delano  aside  to  the  captain.)  "Is  Thomas 
Delano,  of  New  York ;  my  friend  is  Captain  George 
Oliver,  of  Capawock."  They  shook  hands  all  round 
and  smiled  pleasantly. 

"We  are  on  a  yachting  cruise  along  the  coast, 
and  find  this  region  so  beautiful  and  agreeable,  we 
have  determined  not  to  proceed  any  farther  east," 
remarked  Delano  carelessly.  He  thought  it  better 


1 8o  THE    SEA    LETTER 

to  explain  their  presence  in  such  an  out-of-the-way 
place. 

"  An  exceedingly  pleasant  pastime,"  said  Mr. 
Ayllon,  who  relaxed  his  watchful  attention  of  them 
and  became  more  at  ease.  He  thought  gentlemen 
of  means  and  leisure  only  went  yachting,  and  they 
would  not  break  their  oaths,  nor  interfere  with  his 
undertaking. 

"We  must  go  now,  and  should  be  glad  to  have 
you  visit  our  camp,  sir,"  said  Delano  graciously. 

"  We  should  be  pleased  to  show  you  the  yacht, 
sir,"  added  the  captain. 

Ayllon  thanked  them  and  said,  "You  must 
visit  me  again,  gentlemen — You  are  welcome  to 
our  finest  blackberries." 

They  saluted  him  as  they  rowed  away,  and  he 
took  off  his  hat  and  stood  on  the  shore  watching 
them.  The  madcap  daughter  had  kept  away,  but 
they  caught  a  glimpse  of  her  in  a  tree  just  beyond 
the  cabin,  where  she  had  been  observing  all  their 
movements  during  the  interview. 


CHAPTER     XIV. 


Mr.  Ayllon  went  down  to  the  camp  one  after- 
noon in  his  boat  soon  after  their  visit,  remained  to 
supper,  and  returned  to  his  cabin  at  dark.  The 
gentlemen  were  agreeably  surprised  to  find  him 
well  educated,  witty  and  philosophical.  Every- 
thing was  serene,  except  when  they  discussed 
spiritualism ;  then  their  guest  became  excited,  il- 
logical and  intolerant,  and  made  statements  widely 
at  variance  with  knowledge  and  experience.  He 
was  a  firm  believer  in  spiritism  and  every  kind  of 
spiritual  manifestations,  and  had  an  intimate  ac- 
quaintance with  mediums  and  believers  in  B — , 
where  he  had  spent  considerable  time.  His  guid- 
ing spirit  was  that  of  a  deceased  citizen  of  the 
place,  and  he  had  only  to  go  into  a  trance,  when  he 
could  commune  with  spirits,  receive  knowledge 
about  the  outside  world,  and  influence  persons  to 
assist  him  in  his  affairs.  His  trust  never  failed ; 
his  faith  was  sublime ;  he  did  not  doubt  for  a  mo- 
ment the  active  interest  in  him  of  angelic  hosts. 

The    officers  rowed  over  after  blackberries 


1 82  THE    SEA    LETTER 

and  assisted  Ayllon  with  his  work,  in  order  to  de- 
cide how  to  get  into  the  cave  and  remove  the  treas- 
ure undiscovered ;  as  they  were  now  convinced  it 
was  securely  hidden  in  the  north  wall.  The  blasting 
was  not  done  in  a  systematic  manner,  and  it  was 
apparent  Ayllon  was  not  inured  to  hard  manual 
labor.  Delano  induced  him  to  drill  deeper  and 
explode  large  charges,  and  helped  erect  a  winch 
upon  timbers  across  the  north  side  of  the  opening 
to  hoist  out  the  broken  stone.  This  was  protected 
by  a  screen  of  tree  poles,  which  leaned  against 
the  timbers  above,  and  rested  upon  the  bottom  of 
the  cave  outside  the  place  of  explosion.  It  pro- 
tected the  winch  from  injury,  hid  the  north  wall, 
and  left  an  enclosed  place  behind  large  enough  for 
several  persons  to  stand.  Delano  and  the  cap- 
tain worked  several  hours  a  day  with  Ayllon,  taking 
advantage  of  every  opportunity  to  examine  the  hid- 
den wall.  They  scraped  the  dirt  and  vegetation 
from  its  face,  and  searched  by  the  light  of  matches 
for  cracks  and  cemented  stones.  They  were 
obliged  to  push  aside  several  poles  to  get  in,  and 
to  replace  them  quickly  when  Ayllon  or  his  daugh- 
ter approached.  One  only  dared  enter,  the  other 
remained  outside  to  watch  and  warn.  Once  Ayllon 
made  a  detour  from  the  cabin  to  the  shore  and 
returned  unexpectedly  by  the  cave,  where  the  cap- 
tain stood  back  to  him,  the  poles  pushed  aside,  and 
Delano  behind  them  with  a  lighted  match.  The 
captain  heard  a  footfall  and  gave  a  low  hiss ;  De- 


THE    SEA   LETTER  183 

lano  came  out  of  the  opening,  lighting  a  cigar, 
pushed  back  the  poles,  and  said  coolly  to  Ayllon, 
"  Windy  day,  isn't  it  ?" 

"  Yes,"  replied  Ayllon,  unsuspiciously;  "these 
south  westers  are  severe  along  the  coast." 

"  And  generally  blow  up  a  rain,"  added  the 
captain. 

They  discovered  Belita,  on  another  occasion, 
looking  down  upon  them  from  the  top  of  the  cliff, 
but  she  could  not  see  what  they  were  doing.  They 
brought  a  candle,  finally,  inspected  the  wall  closely, 
and  inserted  the  point  of  a  knife  in  suspicious 
places,  Gray  cement  crumbled  here  and  there, 
and,  at  last,  Delano  found  and  traced  an  irregular 
line  up  and  across.  His  heart  palpitated,  his 
arm  fell  shaking,  he  presented  a  pale  face  at  the 
door,  and  said  in  a  whisper,  "Captain,  I  have 
found  it.  See!" 

The  captain  sprang  in  and  quickly  verified 
the  statement.  There,  indeed,  one  part  of  the 
wall  was  artificial,  and  gave  a  hollow  sound  when 
struck.  Ayllon  and  his  child  were  behind  the 
cabin  sharpening  a  drill,  and  Delano  continued  his 
efforts  until  he  had  gone  entirely  around  a  roughly 
outlined  door  about  two  feet  square,  while  the  cap- 
tain watched  him  and  the  cabin.  Then  he  took 
the  vegetable  scrapings  and  dirt  and  rubbed  them 
over  the  knife  marks,  replaced  the  poles,  and  con- 
tinued to  drill  in  the  bottom  of  the  cave. 


1 84  THE    SEA    LETTER 

Ayllon  invited  them  one  evening  to  a  spiritual 
stance,  and,  as  they  were  curious  and  skeptical, 
and  wished  to  please  him,  they  were  at  the  cabin 
soon  after  seven,  where  they  met  Belita  face  to 
face  for  the  first  time.  She  was  a  petite  brunette, 
with  regular  features,  slender  form  and  childish 
manners.  Her  eyes  were  constantly  in  motion; 
her  hands  and  feet  were  always  busy ;  she  could 
not  sit  quietly  a  minute,  and  her  unrest  was  a  gen- 
eral spasmodic  action  like  St.  Vitus  Dance.  Her 
speech  came  quickly,  her  answers  to  questions 
were  jerky,  and  her  boldness  and  impudence  were 
surprising.  Though  she  was  about  seventeen 
years  old,  she  had  not  been  to  school;  her  little 
education  had  been  acquired  through  a  housekeep- 
er and  her  father.  She  wore  a  tattered  woolen 
dress  with  high  neck  and  short  skirt;  her  hair 
hung  loose  in  a  soiled  red  ribbon,  and  her  feet 
were  covered  by  gray  stockings  and  heavy  shoes. 
After  they  had  been  introduced,  she  sat  down  and 
blurted  out,  "What  you  come  for  ? " 

"To  spend  the  evening  with  your  father," 
replied  Delano. 

"  He  doesn't  want  you,"  she  said  quickly. 

"  Belita,  be  quiet !  I  invited  the  gentlemen," 
said  Ayllon. 

She  pouted  and  kept  muttering,  "  I  don't  like 
you."  This  antipathy  continued,  and  they  recog- 
nized the  feeble  condition  of  her  intellect,  but  who 


THE    SEA     LETTER  185 

can  say  she  had  not  an  instinctive  warning  their 
presence  boded  evil  to  her  father? 

It  was  a  pleasant,  starlight  night  and  they  sat 
upon  a  bench  out  side  the  cabin  and  smoked  and 
talked  for  an  hour,  while  the  girl  shifted  around 
and  made  her  presence  known  like  a  cross  little 
dog  in  cold  weather.  Then  they  went  into  the 
cabin  and  sat  around  the  table,  "  to  commune  with 
the  departed,"  said  Ayllon. 

Their  hands  were  joined  in  the  usual  circle 
and  Ayllon  asked,  "Are  there  any  spirits  present?" 

Many  distinct  raps  responded  from  the  table, 
wall  and  floor,  and  caused  the  visitors  to  move  un- 
easily in  their  seats. 

"Who  comes  first?"  he  demanded,  and  sever- 
al raps  followed.  "The  chief?"  Two  raps  were 
heard.  "That  means  no,"  explained  Ayllon.  "My 
wife?"  Two  raps.  "My  father?"  Three  decid- 
ed raps  were  heard,  followed  by  others  all  over  the 
room.  "That  means  yes.  It  is  my  father's  spirit," 
said  the  host. 

"What  do  you  wish,  Father?"  The  silence 
was  unbroken  save  by  the  quick  breathing  of  the 
guests,  and  a  "to  whoo!  to  whoo!"  of  a  distant 
owl,  which  rather  intensified  than  relieved  their 
suspense. 

"We  must  spell  it  out,"  said  Ayllon:  "a-b-c- 
d-e-f-g-h-i-j-k-1-m — ,  three  distinct  raps  for  m,  the 
first  letter.  A-b-c-d-e — ,  three  raps  for  e,  the 
second  letter.  A-b-c-d — ,  three  raps  for  d,  the 


1 86  THE    SEA    LETTER 

third   letter.     Med — Do  you    wish  a   medium?" 
asked  Ayllon. 

Three  raps  came  quickly,  followed  by  many, 
and  there  was  no  doubt  of  the  answer.  "I  am 
ready."  said  Ayllon,  and  his  face  flushed,  his  fea- 
tures became  quiet,  and  the  skin  translucent.  It 
resembled  a  face  modeled  in  porcelain,  but  mind 
showed  like  the  light  of  a  taper  through  the  mask 
of  mortality.  He  stood  up  erect  and  rigid,  his  eyes 
were  closed,  his  lips  only  moved,  and  he  began  to 
voice  his  father's  thoughts: 

"  Mortals  in  burdensome  flesh,  you  seek  vain 
things  and  are  beset  by  shadows.  Spirits  of  evil 
are  abroad  and  good  angels  hover  around  to  help 
you.  You  think  you  wander  and  work  alone  upon 
the  earth,  but  spirits  of  the  departed  are  continu- 
ally present  to  guide  and  protect  you.  I  see  a 
mortal  approaching  the  Stygian  river,  who  will 
soon  cross  with  Charon  and  join  our  heavenly  host. 
It  has  been  decreed  by  higher  power,  and  we  bow 
in  adoration  of  Infinity.  Yet  a  little  while  and 
you  shall  have  your  heavenly  reward. 

"Beware!  the  stranger  within  your  sphere. 
Trust  not  the  sauve  speaker  of  platitudes,  the  pol- 
ished manners  of  society.  I  see  a  storm  cloud 
gathering  ;  the  lightning  is  lurid  beyond ;  the  thun- 
der makes  the  earth  tremble.  It  bodes  good  and 
evil.  I  know  not  its  rewards  and  punishments.  It 
will  seriously  affect  the  family  of  Ayllon,  already 


THE    SEA    LETTER  187 

so  cruelly  oppressed  by  fate.  Youth  will  triumph ; 
wealth  increase ;  age  sink  to  an  honored  grave. 

"The  wind  sighs  in  the  forest ;  the  brook  bab- 
bles over  the  pebbles  ;  the  waves  beat  upon  the 
shore,  and  the  world  rolls  on  among  clouds  and 
fiery  nebulae  obedient  to  the  King  of  Heaven." 

Ayllon's  voice  died  away  to  a  whisper;  his 
face  twitched  convulsively ;  his  eyes  opened  with  a 
vacant  stare  that  fled  before  the  light  of  con- 
sciousness, and  the  silence  was  broken  only  by 
heart  throbs  and  labored  breathing.  The  visitors 
were  deeply  impressed  by  the  spirit's  communica- 
tion, which  was  full  of  poesy  and  prophesy.  They 
fell  into  the  rapture  of  believers;  seemed  to  feel 
the  presence  of  angels,  and  to  hear  a  rustling  of 
wings;  wondered  who  was  descending  into  the 
shadow  of  death ;  recognized  the  warning  against 
themselves  and  their  mission ;  thought  they  could 
explain  the  threatening  cloud  ;  questioned  who  was 
to  be  rewarded,  and  were  carried  away  by  emotion 
into  a  dreamy  contemplation  of  nature,  angels  and 
Heaven. 

"Are  spirits  present?"  asked  Ay  lion  again. 
A  storm  of  raps  sounded  all  over  the  cabin  and 
awoke  them  from  their  reverie. 

"  What  do  they  wish  ? "  Tumultuous  raps  and 
trembling  movements  of  the  furniture  responded. 
The  girl  closed  her  eyes  and  became  convulsed; 
her  muscles  jerked  frightfully  an4  threw  her  arms 


1 88  THE    SEA    LETTER 

and  head  about ;  her  face  took  on  an  ecstatic  look; 
the  motions  ceased,  and  she  began  to  speak. 

"  I  come  sweet  Belita  from  the  Spirit  land  be- 
yond the  stars  to  comfort  my  dearest  ones  and 
lighten  their  sorrows.  I  sit  daily  with  you  at  table, 
and  rejoice  to  see  you  keep  my  seat  vacant.  I  bless 
your  food  and  watch  that  you  are  well  supplied. 
Spirits  attend  you  during  the  labors  of  the  day  and 
slumbers  of  the  night,  and  the  good  work  in  the 
cave,  which  is  to  glorify  the  dead  and  raise  up  the 
living,  goes  on  under  spiritual  aid  and  blessing. 

"Though  my  earthly  body  rests  by  the  rushing 
river  St.  Johns,  beneath  plumes  of  pampas  grass 
and  the  feathery  tufts  of  long  leaved  pines,  my 
spirit  braves  the  rigors  of  a  ruder  clime,  and  com- 
munes with  my  other  self,  my  heart's  love,  my  lord. 
I  bring  heart's  ease  to  you,  and  to  that  other  bud  of 
my  soul,  wandering  up  and  down  the  earth  moth- 
erless. Listen  to  the  heavenly  music;  see  the 
bright,  angelic  forms  around  you ;  feel  the  brush 
of  wings  upon  your  cheek,  and  the  touch  of  angel 
fingers  upon  your  hand.  Doubt  no  longer,  way- 
farers of  earth!  Behold!  Christ  has  opened  the 
door  of  Heaven.  'Come  unto  me  all  ye  that  labor 
and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest."1 

The  young  medium  became  agitated,  yawned, 
sighed  deeply,  opened  her  eyes,  and  collapsed  into 
her  chair  in  a  way  that  showed  much  exhaustion. 
Absolute  silence  reigned  awhile,  bright  hopes  il- 


THE    SEA    LETTER  189 

luminated  the  countenances  of  the  mediums,  and 
their  friends  were  overcome  by  many  emotions. 

"  Would  you  gentlemen  like  to  ask  any  ques- 
tions?" inquired  the  host. 

"  Whose  spirit  talked  through  your  daughter?" 
asked  the  captain. 

"It  was  my  wife,  who  died  many  years  ago, 
and  is  buried  at  St.  John's  Bluff,  by  the  river  St. 
Johns  in  Florida,"  answered  Ayllon. 

"That  is  near  Fort  Caroline,  is  it  not?" 

"Yes,  onaplantation  that  lies  along  the  bank," 
said  he,  with  some  surprise  at  the  captain's  know- 
ledge. 

"I  know  the  Bluff  very  well,"  said  the  cap- 
tain. 

"Will  the  spirits  tell  me  where  Gabrielle 
Palmer  is?"  asked  Delano  in  some  trepidation, 
though  he  had  recovered  from  his  emotional  dis- 
turbance. 

Ayllon  took  a  double  slate,  put  a  pencil  be- 
tween its  leaves,  closed  it  and  handed  it  to  Delano, 
telling  him  to  grasp  it  firmly  with  both  hands.  He 
did  as  directed.  In  a  moment,  he  heard  a  light 
scratching,  as  if  made  by  a  pencil,  during  a  period 
of  twenty  seconds,  then  he  was  told  to  open  and 
read.  He  saw  written  plainly  within,  "  Gabrielle 
Palmer  is  at  Watch  Hill." 

The  captain  uttered  an  exclamation.  Delano 
was  visibly  disturbed,  but  he  tried  again.  "Where 
is  Laura  Conant?"  He  used  the  slate  as  before 


and  read,  "  Laura  Conant  is  at  her  home  in  Con- 
necticut." 

"Here,  Captain,  you  try  it,"  he  said  blushing. 

The  captain  received  the  slate  from  Ayllon, 
after  he  had  cleaned  it,  and  asked  some  spirit  of  a 
relative  to  communicate  with  him.  The  pencil 
scratched,  the  slate  was  opened,  and  he  read  this 
message : 

"  George,  you  are  far  away  from  loved  ones 
and  in  danger.  Your  mother  cannot  say,  if  you 
will  return  unharmed.  I  feel  a  warning,  as  I  did 
when  your  father  went  away  in  the  ship  Orient, 
which  was  lost  with  all  on  board.  I  will  try  and 
protect  you  from  evil.  I  wished  to  communicate  with 
you  before,  but  others  hindered,  and  you  did  not 
know.  I  will  be  with  you  and  yours  often,  my 
dear  son.  Your  good  life  will  have  its  reward. 
Farewell  for  a  little  while." 

The  captain  handed  Delano  the  slate,  and,  be- 
fore he  had  finished  reading  the  message,  fell 
against  the  table,  dizzy  and  faint,  because  he  rec- 
ognized his  mother's  spirit  through  the  communi- 
cation, which  contained  information  he  had  forgot- 
ten, that  he  knew  no  other  person  present  could 
know  except  by  occult  power. 

"It  is  nothing,"  he  said,  as  Ayllon  gave  him 
water  and  he  sat  up  erect  again ;  but  Delano 
thought  they  had  seen  and  heard  enough,  and 
moved  away  from  the  table.  This  broke  the  circle 


THE    SEA    LETTER  191 

and  spell,  and  the  spirits  ceased  their  manifesta- 
tions and  departed  with  a  few  feeble  raps. 

Conversation  was  resumed,  and  Belita  laid 
the  table  and  served  cocoa  and  hardtack.  One 
place  opposite  the  host  was  vacant,  and  he  inform- 
ed them  his  wife's  spirit  occupied  the  seat  and  often 
manifested  herself  to  them.  The  captain  asserted 
he  had  felt  a  touch  of  wings  upon  his  cheek,  and 
Delano  was  certain  an  angel's  hand  had  grasped  his 
fingers.  They  went  outside.  The  starry  heavens 
had  a  new  appearance  to  them.  They  groped  no 
longer  in  darkness.  They  recognized  a  new  re- 
lation between  matter  and  spirit  and  began  to 
realize  that,  around,  above  and  beyond,  there  was 
another  sphere  where  angels  reigned. 


CHAPTER    XV. 


Some  nights  after  their  unique  experience, 
Delano,  the  captain  and  crew,  manned  the  boat, 
muffled  the  oars,  rowed  quickly  along  the  opposite 
shore,  crossed  the  sound,  and  landed  silently  in  a  cove, 
where  the  great  cliff  towered  above  them  and  threw 
a  deep  gloom  far  out  from  its  base.  Clouds  nearly 
covered  the  sky  and  but  few  stars  were  visible. 
Delano  ordered  the  men  to  keep  quiet,  remain  by 
the  boat,  and  be  ready  to  push  off  quickly.  Then 
he  and  the  captain,  talking  in  whispers,  groped 
their  way  through  the  dark  forest  until  they  arrived 
at  the  great  ledge  and  the  cave. 

Delano  went  behind  the  barrier,  lit  a  candle, 
and  began  to  chip  away  the  cement  that  held  the 
stones  in  the  door  of  the  small  cavern,  while  the 
captain  took  a  position  where  he  could  watch 
Ayllon's  cabin.  The  former  had  secreted  the 
few  tools  needed  during  the  previous  afternoon. 
He  covered  the  hammer  with  pieces  of  leather  to 
deaden  the  sound  of  the  blows,  and  worked  away 


THE    SEA    LETTER  193 

on  the  obstructions  until  his  arms  were  weary  and 
perspiration  ran  down  his  face.  Then  he  went  out 
to  watch,  and  the  captain  relieved  him,  and  con- 
tinued to  remove  cement  and  pieces  of  stone  until 
he  was  tired,  when  they  changed  places  again. 
Thus  they  labored  until  the  thin  wall  was  entirely 
removed,  and  they  had  uncovered  a  piece  of  board. 
This  was  pried  out,  and  there,  like  an  egg  in  a  nest, 
they  saw  a  small,  square  box,  bound  with  sheet 
iron,  and  having  rope  handles,  knotted  and  leather- 
ed sailor  fashion.  They  looked  at  the  chest  and  at 
each  other.  Both  were  pale,  their  hearts  beat  furi- 
ously, and  the  candle  light  threw  a  sickly  glare 
around.  They  tried  to  whisper,  but  their  dry 
throats  only  uttered  hoarse  croaks. 

Everything  was  quiet  at  the  cabin  ;  the  wind 
sighing  in  the  pines,  and  the  hoot  of  a  distant  owl 
broke  the  solemn  silence  of  the  night.  They  re- 
moved the  chest  and  set  it  upon  the  ledge  outside 
the  cave ;  filled  the  opening  loosely  with  stone ;  ex- 
tinguished the  candle  ;  put  the  poles  back  in  posi- 
tion, and  clambered  out  of  the  cave.  Then  each 
one  took  a  handle  of  the  chest  and  carried  it  quick- 
ly back  to  the  base  of  the  cliff.  Just  then  a  shot 
was  fired  from  the  cabin,  and  Belita  in  white  and 
Ayllon  in  dressing-gown,  rushed  across  the  ledge 
to  the  cave,  tarried  a  moment  in  observation,  and 
ran  down  to  the  usual  landing  by  the  spring. 

But  the  boat  was  hidden  far  up  the  shore. 
The  bushes  and  trees  around  the  base  of  the  cliff 


I94  THE    SEA    LETTER 

shielded  the  marauders,  but  permitted  them  to  see 
the  forms  of  father  and  daughter  against  the  sky, 
as  they  crossed  the  barren  ledge.  Where  were 
their  spirit  guides  when  they  needed  them  so  much? 
Were  they  in  aereal  conflict  with  other  spirits, 
allies  of  the  captain  and  Delano? 

In  a  few  moments,  Ayllon  and  Belita  return- 
ed to  the  cave,  crossed  the  ledge  and  disappeared 
towards  the  cabin.  Only  then  did  they  venture  to 
go  on  with  the  chest.  They  picked  the  way  cau- 
tiously and  noiselessly  through  the  woods  to  the 
boat ;  placed  the  burden  in  the  stern ;  helped  the 
men  push  off  quietly;  rowed  directly  across  the 
sound  to  the  other  shore,  and  followed  it  until 
abreast  of  the  yacht,  when  they  boarded  her  with- 
out further  precaution.  The  chest  was  passed 
into  the  cabin,  pushed  into  the  run,  and  covered  by 
sails.  The  men  were  requested  not  to  mention  the 
night  expedition  under  promise  of  an  explanation 
later,  and  were  set  ashore  at  the  camp,  but  their 
officers  remained  aboard  the  yacht. 

They  slept  late  and  did  not  go  up  to  Ayllon' s 
until  after  dinner,  when  they  took  some  canned 
goods  and  hardtack,  which  pleased  and  surprised 
the  old  man,  and  he  forgot  to  relate  the  night 
adventure  until  they  told  him  they  had  heard 
shooting  about  2  o'clock,  and  asked  him  if  he  knew 
anything  about  it. 

"Belita  is  a  restless  sleeper,"  said  he,  "and 
I  awake  often  and  find  her  standing  at  the  door 


THE    SEA    LETTER  195 

listening,  or  stalking  around  outside  with  the  gun. 
Last  night  she  declared  an  owl  became  \*ery  noisy 
and  she  went  to  the  door  and  heard  voices ;  then 
she  saw  two  objects  by  the  cave  which  resembled 
bears.  She  came  in  for  the  gun,  awakened  me, 
and  hurried  out,  but  they  had  disappeared.  She 
fired  into  the  bushes  near,  and  we  ran  to  the  cave 
and  down  to  the  shore,  but  did  not  see  or  hear  a 
thing  except  an  owl  crying,  'to  whoo!  towhoo!' 
Who  could  be  prowling  around  here  that  time  of 
night,  and  what  could  they  be  after?  They  could 
not  get  the  treasure  out  of  the  ledge  with  a  single 
night's  labor,  and  the  spirits  would  have  notified 
us  of  danger." 

Ay  lion  had  forgotten  the  warnings  of  his  fath- 
er, or  remained  unconscious  of  the  matter  com- 
municated in  the  mediumistic  state.  Belita  had 
heard  and  should  have  remembered,  though  her 
mind  was  not  exactly  sound.  No  doubt  the  rob- 
bers had  resembled  bears,  as  they  climbed  over 
the  edge  of  the  cave  upon  hands  and  knees,  and 
bent  over  to  lift  the  chest.  They  had  secured  the 
treasure  without  opposition  from  the  spirits,  but 
had  narrowly  escaped  the  scattering  shot  from 
Belita's  gun.  These  reflections  passed  in  the 
minds  of  the  guilty  men,  as  they  listened  attentive- 
ly and  commented  upon  Ayllon's  story,  and  they 
felt  uneasy  under  the  restless,  foxy  eyes  of  the  girl, 
who  watched  their  movements  and  caught  every 
word  they  uttered. 


196  THE    SEA    LETTER 

Delano  proposed  they  should  fill  the  drill-holes 
of  the  previous  day's  labor  and  blast  more  stone, 
and  they  took  the  tools  and  material  and  went  to 
the  cave,  which  brightened  Belita's  countenance 
immediately.  Everything  about  the  cave  was  as 
usual,  and,  during  preparation  of  the  charges,  De- 
lano managed  to  remove  the  tools  hidden  behind 
the  barrier  and  mix  them  with  the  others.  The 
girl  climbed  into  a  tree  behind  the  cabin,  the  fuses 
were  lighted,  the  men  retreated  into  the  woods, 
and  a  double  explosion  sent  fragments  of  rock  fly- 
ing all  over  the  ledge.  They  hoisted  out  the  re- 
maining pieces,  and  resumed  the  laborious  drilling 
in  the  floor.  The  assistants  showed  as  much  ener- 
gy and  eagerness  in  the  project  as  Ayllon,  and 
continued  to  work  with  him  until  sunset,  when  they 
bade  him  adieu  and  returned  to  the  yacht. 

Delano  told  the  men  after  supper,  that  a  crazy 
man  was  blasting  a  hole  in  a  ledge  upon  the  west- 
ern shore,  and  would  shoot  any  stranger  who  land- 
ed upon  the  territory.  That  he  had  been  fired  at 
while  stumbling  through  the  woods  near  his  cabin, 
when  they  had  removed  the  chest,  which  contain- 
ed some  valuable  papers  that  had  been  deposited 
near  the  cliff.  He  had  been  afraid  they  might  be 
discovered  by  the  new  settler,  and  thought  it  wise 
to  remove  them.  This  truthful,  yet,  evasive  state- 
ment apparently  satisfied  the  men,  and  everything 
went  along  as  usual  for  a  few  days.  They  con- 
tinued their  visits  to  Ayllon  and  helped  him  in  the 


THE    SEA    LETTER  197 

cave,  and  the  crew  picked  blueberries  on  the  moun- 
tains and  caught  plenty  of  fish.  The  days  were 
bright,  cool  and  bracing.  Views  of  the  camp  in 
the  green  valley,  the  pretty  yacht  anchored  in  the 
cove,  the  deep  blue  sound  with  its  reflected  pictures, 
and  the  autumn  foliage  in  its  Dolly  Varden  dress  of 
yellow,  orange  and  scarlet,  covering  the  mountain 
side,  filled  their  souls  with  satisfaction  and  delight. 
Some  of  the  most  beautiful  regions  in  the  world 
have  been  the  scenes  of  frightful  tragedies,  and  this 
secluded  beauty  spot  was  destined  to  be  brought 
to  the  notice  of  mankind  by  a  baptism  of  blood. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


Merangue  was  on  anchor-watch  at  six-bells, 
(3  a.  m. )  one  night,  when  he  noticed  a  flash  against 
the  face  of  the  western  hills  in  the  direction  of  the 
hermit's  camp,  and  he  called  the  captain,  Delano 
and  Frizzle  upon  deck.  Hardly  had  they  rubbed 
the  stiffness  and  congestion  of  sleep  out  of  their 
eyes,  and  located  the  fire  near  the  cabin,  when 
great  flames  shot  skyward,  a  dull  report  broke  the 
silence  of  the  night,  firebrands  and  a  shower  of 
sparks  illuminated  the  face  of  the  cliff,  and  then 
all  subsided  to  a  dull  red  glare. 

"  Fasten  the  hatch  and  lock  the  cabin,  Bob ! 
Haul  up  the  boat,  Merangue  !  Captain,  we  must 
hurry  to  the  rescue — poor  Ayllon  is  in  trouble," 
said  Delano  excitedly.  They  jumped  into  the  boat, 
rowed  rapidly  to  the  landing,  and  rushed  over  the 
ridge  to  the  edge  of  the  forest,  where  the  remains 
of  the  cabin  and  several  fallen  trees  were  blazing 
fiercely.  The  logs  of  the  little  house,  pieces  of 
the  roof,  parts  of  the  bunks  and  fragments  of 
furniture,  were  scattered  over  the  ledge  and  in  the 


THE    SEA    LETTER  199 

edge  of  the  forest,  with  a  tangle  of  broken  and 
prostrated  trees  around,  smoking  and  burning. 
They  groped  through  the  wreck  and  smoke,  seek- 
ing the  occupants  of  the  cabin,  and  found  gun-bar- 
rels without  a  stock,  pieces  of  the  oil-stove,  crushed 
tin  dishes,  broken  crockery  and  other  housekeeping 
articles  scattered  around.  They  seized  poles  from 
the  cave,  pried  the  logs  apart,  lifted  tree-tops,  and 
scattered  the  burning  rubbish  that  they  might 
search  more  carefully.  Delano  was  frantic,  and 
rushed  here  and  there,  directing,  examining  and 
working.  During  an  upward  rush  of  flame,  which 
lighted  up  the  dark  woods,  the  captain  had  a  glimpse 
of  something  upon  one  of  the  trees,  and  called 
Delano's  attention  to  it.  They  went  nearer,  and 
sickened  at  the  sight  of  the  torn  and  mangled 
body  of  Belita,  burned  into  a  brown  and  charred 
mass.  It  was  evident  sh«  had  been  badly  burned, 
instantly  killed,  and  thrown  upwards  by  the 
explosion. 

They  wrapped  the  body  in  bagging  from  the 
cave,  laid  it  back  among  the  ferns  of  the  forest,  and 
renewed  their  search  for  Ayllon,  whom  they  could 
no  longer  expect  to  find  alive.  Having  explored 
the  ledge  and  forest  around,  they  began  to  remove 
some  fallen  trees  behind  the  cabin,  and  came  upon 
the  body  of  Ayllon  among  the  spruce  branches, 
bruised  and  scorched,  but  clothed  in  the  familiar 
dressing-gown.  His  hair  and  whiskers  were  singed, 
his  outer  garments  were  charred,  and  purple  bruis- 


200  THE    SEA    LETTER 

es  and  a  broken  arm  showed  his  participation  in 
the  disaster.  They  removed  the  branches  and 
rubbish  around  him,  dragged  the  body  from  its 
leafy  bed,  and  placed  it  upon  a  mossy  knoll  in  the 
light  of  the  fire,  which  was  crackling  and  roaring 
in  the  logs  of  the  cabin.  Delano  washed  Ayllon's 
head,  replaced  a  flap  of  torn  scalp,  and  arranged 
his  limbs — he  had  listened  for  heart-beats  and 
breathing  in  vain — then  wet  his  handkerchief  and 
covered  over  the  pallid  face. 

Thus  they  left  him,  and  resumed  exami- 
nation of  the  debris,  and  consolidated  the  brands 
and  logs  into  a  bonfire,  which  was  cheerful  even 
amid  its  funereal  surroundings.  They  were  all 
fatigued  by  their  exertions  and  excitement  and  rest 
ed,  talking  in  low  tones  of  the  tragedy  and  making 
plans  for  future  guidance.  The  captain  advised 
sending  the  men  to  the  yacht  for  overcoats,  stimu- 
lants and  supplies,  and  breakfasting  upon  the  spot; 
and  Bob  and  Merangue  went  and  returned  soon 
with  everything  necessary  for  their  comfort.  Hot 
coffee  and  hardtack  refreshed  them,  while  Frizzle 
proceeded  to  prepare  a  substantial  meal. 

Delano  walked  pensively  around  smoking  a 
cigarette,  and,  finally  stood  looking  down  at  the  man- 
ly form  of  Ayllon.  "  What  a  sad  fate  for  a  noble 
man!  Who  and  what  was  he?"  he  murmured. 
Was  he  deceived,  or  did  he  see  a  movement  of  the 
handkerchief  over  the  dead  man's  face  ?  He  fell 
upon  his  knees  and  listened  with  his  ear  over  the 


THE    SEA    LETTER  201 

heart.  There  was  no  mistake ;  the  heart  was 
fluttering  back  to  life.  He  sprang  to  his  feet  and 
shouted,  "  Captain,  he  lives !  he  lives !  Bring  some 
whiskey  and  hot  water,  and  a  blanket  quickly  !" 

The  captain  and  men  rushed  to  him  with  the 
things  demanded,  and  assisted  in  wrapping  Ayllon 
in  blankets,  bathing  his  face  and  hands  in  hot  water, 
and  administering  a  few  drops  of  whisky.  He 
choked  a  little  and  groaned ;  then  they  gave  him 
some  whisky  and  hot  water,  which  he  swallowed 
with  much  gurgling  and  effort.  The  breathing  in- 
creased gradually  in  depth  and  the  heart  in  strength 
of  beats,  and  the  injured  man  moved  his  limbs 
and  groaned,  as  the  broken  arm  fell  useless  by  his 
side.  They  gave  him  half  a  cupful  of  coffee,  when 
he  could  swallow  freely,  which  immediately  restor- 
ed consciousness  and  strength.  He  opened  his 
eyes  in  a  frightened  stare,  gazed  inquiringly  at 
the  anxious  faces  around  him,  looked  towards  the 
fire  and  muttered,  "My  daughter?" 

"We  shall  see  about  her  after  awhile,"  said 
Delano. 

"She  is  lost!  I  know  it!  I  feel  it!"  he  cried. 

No  one  denied  it,  and  he  shuddered,  and 
closed  his  eyes  to  hinder  the  tears.  Delano  tore 
his  hankerchief  into  strips  and  bound  up  the  pa- 
tient's head  with  a  wet  compress ;  rubbed  the 
bruises  with  whisky;  bandaged  the  fractured  limb 
to  an  improvised  splint;  administered  another  dose 
of  whisky  and  hot  water,  and  advised  him  to  com- 


202  THE    SEA    LETTER 

pose  himself  and  sleep,  while  they  had  breakfast. 
Truth  to  say,  they  ate  heartily,  and  enjoyed  their 
morning  smoke  more  than  usual,  because  they  had 
worked  and  endured  much  nervous  strain. 

Delano  left  the  captain  in  charge  of  Ayllon, 
who  had  fallen  asleep,  and  went  with  Merangue  in 
the  boat  to  Somesville,  where  he  consulted  the 
leading  physician,  and  made  arrangements  for  bury- 
ing Belita  and  transferring  Ayllon  to  the  hotel  for 
treatment.  A  wagon  with  mattress  and  blankets 
was  sent  down  the  main  road  behind  the  cliff,  and 
the  doctor  accompanied  Delano  in  the  boat.  The 
injured  man  had  slept  most  of  the  time  during  his 
absence ;  the  captain  and  Bob  had  burned  all  the 
rubbish  of  the  disaster,  and  everything  had  a  more 
cleanly  appearance.  The  doctor  was  shocked  at 
Belita's  remains,  and  advised  immediate  burial. 
He  gave  Ayllon  a  thorough  examination,  declared 
he  would  recover  with  careful  attention,  and  com- 
plimented the  friends  for  what  they  had  already 
done.  The  patient  had  recovered  consciousness, 
and  was  told  enough  of  their  plans  to  gain  his  con- 
fidence and  ready  acquiescence.  A  stretcher  was 
made  of  a  blanket  and  two  poles  ;  he  was  carried 
back  to  the  wagon,  and  consigned  to  the  doctor's 
care,  with  a  promise  to  visit  him  often  at  the  hotel. 

A  camp  was  built  of  spruce  boughs  down 
near  the  spring  that  the  yachtsmen  might  be'more 
comfortable  in  their  self-imposed  vigils ;  Belita  was 
carried  to  the  north  end  of  the  ledge  and  laid  be- 


THE     SEA     LETTER  203 

neath  a  tree,  and  they  took  turns  watching  and 
sleeping,  with  the  bright  stars  twinkling  and  the 
hoot-owl  calling  in  melancholly  tones,  "to  whoo ! 
to  whoo!" 

Delano  awoke  from  a  troubled  dream  and 
heard  the  dismal  sounds  and  shuddered.  The  call 
seemed  to  appeal  to  him  for  an  answer,  and  he 
remembered  it  had  the  same  significance,  when  he 
and  the  captain  had  stolen  away  with  the  treasure 
chest.  While  he  could  not  perceive  in  their  action 
any  cause  for  the  frightful  calamity  that  had  be- 
fallen his  new  acquaintances;  the  deception  prac- 
ticed and  the  robbery  performed  made  him  feel  in 
some  measure  responsible  and  guilty,  and  the  pres- 
ence of  death  awoke  his  conscience  and  reasoning 
powers.  "To  whoo?  you  bad  grammarian  !  To 
whom  ?"  he  said.  "To  the  owner,  of  course,  the 
treasure  shall  go,  if  treasure  there  be.  Guided  by 
a  message  from  the  dead,  we  will  do  justice  to  the 
living,  when  we  know  our  duty  through  an  exami- 
nation of  the  contents  of  the  sailor's  chest.  Until 
then,  cease  your  nightly  brawling  and  sleep." 

He  arose,  lighted  a  cigar  and  sent  Merangue 
to  bed,  taking  his  two  hours'  watch  from  4  to  6 
o'clock.  He  was  uneasy  and  nervous;  the  snap- 
ping of  sticks  beneath  the  feet  of  wild  animals 
reminded  him  of  spirit  rappings;  the  morning 
breeze  brushed  his  cheeks  like  wings ;  his  fingers 
tingled  as  when  grasped  by  spirit  hands,  and  he 
felt  the  immaterial  presence  of  beings  that  he 


204  THE    SEA    LETTER 

could  neither  see  nor  touch.  He  had  never  exper- 
ienced before  such  nearness  to  death,  and  was 
shocked  by  its  suddenness  and  brutality.  He 
looked  upon  the  inanimate  human  remains,  where 
a  soul  had  dwelt,  and  wondered  if  Belita's  spirit 
hovered  near,  or  had  fled  to  a  happier  realm,  to 
Heaven.  He  stood  face  to  face  with  the  great 
mystery  of  the  universe  in  fear  and  awe.  The  cry 
from  the  forest  startled  him,  "To  whoo,  to  whoo?" 

"To  Jesus,"  he  whispered,  and  turned  away 
and  went  down  to  the  shore,  where  the  lapping  of 
the  waves  soothed  his  troubled  mind.  It  was  the 
only  satisfying  solution  of  the  problem  of  death. 

Boats  came  from  Somesville  after  breakfast, 
bringing  many  men  and  women,  a  minister,  and 
an  undertaker,  to  perform  the  last  sad  duty  to 
Belita.  The  father  had  consented  to  her  burial 
upon  the  spot  she  had  loved  so  well,  in  the  forest 
at  the  foot  of  the  great  cliff.  Gentle  women  laid 
her  in  the  plain  oak  coffin ;  and  sweet  village  flow- 
ers covered  everything  except  the  plate.  The 
minister  read  the  service,  "  I  am  the  resurrection 
and  the  life,  &c. ;"  the  ladies  sang,  "There  are 
angels  hovering  round;"  and  the  yachtsmen  lower- 
ed the  case  into  its  narrow  bed.  "  Earth  to  earth, 
ashes  to  ashes,  dust  to  dust;"  the  ladies  sang 
"Abide  with  Me,"  and  a  benediction  ended  the 
impressive  and  solemn  ceremony.  Tears  of  sym- 
pathy were  seen  upon  many  cheeks,  and  Belita's 
terrible  fate  was  universally  commiserated.  All 


THE    SEA    LETTER  205 

was  simple,  sincere,  and  heartfelt.  Delano  thanked 
the  villagers  for  their  kindness  and  sympathy,  and 
they  took  their  boats  and  rowed  back  home,  while 
Merangue  finished  the  grave  and  set  up  a  cross 
that  he  had  made. 

The  day  of  worry  and  distress  was  past;  the 
men  sought  the  shore  and  built  a  camp-fire,  par- 
took of  a  bountiful  supper,  and  smoked  around  the 
blazing  logs  till  late,  exchanging  experiences  and 
regaining  their  cheerfulness  and  nerve.  The  sun 
was  shining  over  the  green  mountains  when  they 
awoke  next  morning ;  they  broke  camp  after  break- 
fast ;  covered  the  new  grave  with  spruce  boughs, 
and  returned  to  the  yacht  and  permanent  camp. 
Bob  and  the  captain  overhauled  the  rigging  and 
dried  the  sails,  and  Merangue  rowed  Delano  up  to 
Somesville  to  call  upon  Ayllon. 

He  was  resting  comfortably,  with  his  arm  in 
clean  white  bandages  and  splints,  in  a  large  room 
upon  the  south  side  of  the  hotel.  The  sunlight 
streamed  through  the  windows,  having  muslin  cur- 
tains looped  back  by  blue  ribbons,  and  a  boquet  of 
old  fashioned  posies  upon  the  table  vied  with  the 
flowers  of  the  wall-paper  in  giving  warmth  and 
welcome  to  the  visitor. 

"You  are  very  kind  to  come  so  early,"  said 
Ayllon,  greeting  with  his  left  hand  ;  "  I  trust  sleep 
has  banished  fatigue  and  refreshed  your  soul — and 
— what  about  Belita?"  His  voice  trembled  and 
tears  rushed  to  his  eyes. 


206  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"We  kept  vigil  by  her  grave,  Ayllon,  and 
everything  was  done  as  you  wished  by  the  kind 
villagers  and  ourselves." 

"And  the  place  of  burial?  " 

"  It  is  at  the  base  of  the  cliff  beneath  the  cross, 
and  a  wooden  cross  stands  at  the  head  of  the 
grave." 

"  I  am  very  grateful  to  you  and  your  good  men 
for  the  service  which  you  have  rendered  me  and 
mine,  and  I  wish  you  to  thank  them  for  me.  How 
providential,  you  were  in  the  vicinity!  Without 
your  rescue  and  attention,  I,  too,  should  have  per- 
ished and  our  family  name  would  have  been  lost 
forever.  And  the  spirits — Where  were  they? 
How  could  they  permit — why  did  they  not  prevent 
the  horrible  catastrophy?  Is  it  possible  they  are 
powerless  against  fate — that  they  foresee  and  can- 
not prevent  disaster?" 

"  I  cannot  enlighten  you,  my  good  sir,  having 
seen  so  little  of  spiritualism  and  its  practical  uses, 
but  reflection  upon  the  strange  stance  at  your 
home  leads  me  to  believe  the  spiritual  manifesta- 
tions are  caused  by  some  unknown  attribute  of 
matter,  which  is  influenced  by  minds  exceptionally 
endowed  with  magnetic  power.  We  know  some- 
thing of  the  effects  of  mind  upon  mind — that  per- 
sonal power,  mesmeric,  hypnotic,  or  spiritual ;  but 
the  influence  of  mind  upon  matter  is  almost  a 
closed  book.  There  is  a  realm  beyond  the  ken  of 
our  finite  senses  along  the  borders  of  which  we 


THE    SEA    LETTER  207 

wander,  whence  come  occasional  manifestations  of 
power  and  phenomena  inexplicable  by  the  known 
sciences.  When  we  enter  it,  as  the  X  ray  pene- 
trates solids,  the  veil  will  be  lifted,  and  there  will 
be  no  more  miracles." 

"Perhaps" — said  Ayllon  doubtfully,  brushing 
away  a  troubled  expression  from  his  forehead; 
"but  we  are  mortal  yet,  and  I  wish  to  know  what 
my  expense  will  be  here — I  cannot  get  any  satis- 
faction from  the  landlord." 

"You  are  not  to  bother  your  poor,  battered  head 
with  such  questions  at  present.  The  doctor  and  I 
have  arranged  matters.  When  you  have  fully  re- 
covered, it  will  be  time  enough  to  discuss  mathe- 
matical problems." 

Ayllon  sank  back  into  the  pillows,  relieved 
and  resigned,  and  closed  his  eyelids  over  tears. 
Delano  recognized  his  weakness  and  took  leave, 
after  some  cheerful  remarks  about  his  pleasant 
surroundings  and  nursing,  promising  to  return 
next  day.  He  had  agreed  to  pay  for  the  burial, 
and  had  arranged  with  the  doctor  and  landlord  to 
give  the  patient  the  best  possible  attention  at  his 
expense.  Though  they  would  have  done  every- 
thing necessary  for  his  comfort  and  curing  for 
humanity's  sake,  the  knowledge  that  Delano  was 
a  rich  New  Yorker  and  would  pay  them  promptly, 
no  doubt  quickened  their  impulses  and  augmented 
Ayllon' s  comfort. 

Delano  visited  the  patient  every  day,  some- 


208  THE    SEA    LETTER 

times  taking  the  captain  with  him,  and  spent  many 
hours  in  talking,  reading  and  sympathizing  with 
him.  When  recovery  had  much  advanced,  he 
asked  for  an  explanation  of  the  explosion.  Ayllon 
said  he  was  awakened  by  Belita  rattling  some  of 
the  dishes,  and  asked  her  what  she  was  doing  that 
time  of  night.  She  replied  she  couldn't  sleep  and 
was  making  cocoa  upon  the  oil-stove.  The  cabin 
was  warm  and  stuffy,  and  he  arose  and  strolled 
down  to  the  shore  and  back  again,  stopping  a  mo- 
ment at  the  cave.  Just  then  Belita  uttered  a  wild 
scream  ;  he  rushed  to  the  cabin  door,  and  saw  her 
bending  over  the  stove  surrounded  by  flames. 
Before  he  could  enter,  the  whole  cabin  filled  with 
fire,  a  loud  explosion  rent  the  air,  and  he  was  lifted 
as  by  a  whirlwind,  and  he  knew  nothing  more  un- 
til resuscitated. 

The  oil  had  escaped  from  its  reservoir,  be- 
come ignited  upon  the  floor,  set  Belita' s  clothes  on 
fire,  dripped  through  the  cracks  to  the  store  of 
powder  and  dynamite,  and  blown  up  the  whole 
establishment.  Why  he  had  not  been  killed,  was 
a  miracle ;  and  he  wished  he  had  been,  instead  of 
being  maimed  and  having  his  secret  exposed  to 
scoffers  and  the  whole  world.  The  spirits  had  not 
protected  them,  and  he  doubted  the  correctness  of 
their  information,  though  his  wife  and  father  had 
been  the  instigators  of  his  undertaking. 

It  was  apparent  the  shock  and  injuries  had 
cleared  the  hermit's  mind,  and  he  was  subjecting 


THE    SEA    LETTER  209 

his  actions  and  beliefs  to  logical  analysis.  No  one 
would  detect  anything  abnormal  in  his  mental 
processes,  though  his  emotions  were  easily  excited 
— a  condition  readily  accounted  for  by  his  years  of 
wandering  and  despair. 

Delano  could  not  remove  Ayllon's  doubts,  but 
he  diverted  his  attention  to  other  matters,  read  the 
papers  to  him,  and  cheered  him  by  his  youthful 
vivacity  and  hope,  so  that  time  passed  rapidly 
with  him,  and  his  sufferings  were  greatly  mitigated. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


The  perfect  September  weather  at  Capawock 
kept  half  the  summer  visitors  unconscious  of  the 
flight  of  time,  and  bicycling,  driving,  bathing,  sail- 
ing and  fishing  were  more  enjoyable,  because  in- 
dulged in  more  leisurely.  The  coaching  party  was 
dissolved  by  the  departure  of  the  stylish  outfit  and 
its  intelligent  bachelors  immediately  after  Delano 
left,  and  our  summer  girls  were  shocked  into  seri- 
ousness by  the  sundering  of  affectionate  ties,  and 
wandered  in  couples,  exchanging  hopes  and  fears 
under  solemn  vows  of  secrecy.  The  gentlemen 
had  consumed  so  much  of  their  time  in  excursions 
and  conversation,  there  seemed  a  lengthening  of 
days  now,  and  they  returned  to  their  fancy  work 
and  novels,  to  musing  and  castle  building. 

"Who  would  have  thought  the  coach-and-four 
would  have  left  such  a  hiatus  in  our  social  circle?" 
exclaimed  Helen,  who  was  frank  to  boldness. 

"O,  men  are  indispensable  in  everything  ex- 
cept afternoon  teas,"  remarked  Mrs.  Conant. 


THE    SEA    LETTER  211 

"  It  was  a  queer  freak  for  Mr.  Delano  to  leave 
his  party  and  go  off  yachting  so  late  in  the  season," 
said  Vic. 

"It  seems  so  because  we  do  not  know  his  reas- 
ons. They  must  have  been  important,  because  he 
was  so  reticent  about  his  preparations.  Probably 
he  wished  to  take  in  Bar  Harbor  before  the  season 
ended." 

"Not  very  complimentary  to  us,  at  least," 
observed  Gabrielle  with  a  toss  of  the  head. 

"O,  mamma,  did  you  hear  the  news  ?"  cried 
Laura,  as  she  ran  along  the  hotel  piazza  with  a 
paper  in  her  hand. 

"  No,  my  dear,  what  is  it  ?" 

"Something  in  the  yachting  department  of 
the  Boston  World — listen  to  this" — everybody 
ceased  work  and  listened  eagerly:  "'The  Yacht 
Orinda,  Captain  Oliver,  with  Mr.  Thomas  Delano, 
of  New  York,  on  board,  is  anchored  in  Somes 
Sound,  Maine,  where  they  have  established  a  camp 
on  shore,  and  are  amusing  themselves  assisting  a 
couple  of  spiritualists  in  a  search  for  treasure,  said 
by  a  medium  to  be  buried  there.  Lunatics  have 
been  hunting  for  Captain  Kidd's  treasure  up  and 
down  the  coast  for  a  century,  and  we  suppose  they 
will  continue  the  search  forever ;  but,  as  no  authen- 
tic proof  has  been  presented  that  Kidd  left  any- 
thing thereabouts,  what  has  never  been  lost  cannot 
be  found. 


212  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"  Isn't  that  funny?  That's  the  best  news 
we've  had  about  him  since  he  went  away,"  ex- 
claimed Laura. 

"What  did  I  tell  you,  Victoria?"  said  Mrs. 
Conant,  with  a  significant  glance. 

"Hunting  for  treasure!  He's  rich  enough 
already.  He'd  better  look  after  his  cotton  busi- 
ness," observed  Mrs.  Ward. 

"  He  ought  to  have  written  to  some  of  us," 
said  Gabrielle. 

"  'Out  of  sight,  out  of  mind,'  my  dear,"  re- 
marked Mrs.  Palmer. 

"  I  do  not  believe  the  old  saying.  When  men 
have  important  business,  society  is  a  secondary 
consideration.  But  you  cannot  keep  a  woman  out 
of  a  man's  mind  long.  Memories  of  her  are  con- 
stantly mixing  up  with  all  his  plans,"  said  Mrs. 
Conant. 

"  If  he  prefers  spiritualists  and  Mt.  Desert  to 
us  and  Capawock,  I've  not  much  respect  for  his 
judgment,"  added  Vic  contemptuously. 

"He  doesn't,  you  bet,"  said  Laura. 

"Laura!"   said  her  mother  severely. 

"He  seems  to,"  declared  Flossie  decidedly. 

"He  hasn't  treated  his  gentlemen  friends  any 
better.  Mr.  Thompson  wrote  me  none  of  the  coach- 
ing party  had  heard  a  word  from  him,"  continued 
Gabrelle. 

"  Yes,  they  have — Mr.  Sanders  wrote  me,  Mr. 
Delano  had  written  to  him  recently  to  ship  some 


THE    SEA    LETTER  213 

provisions  to  Southwest  Harbor — the  place  where 
the  steamer  calls  nearest  to  his  camp,"  added  May, 
blushing  at  the  confession  of  correspondence. 

"Mr.  Atkins  hasn't  heard  from  him,"  said 
Vic. 

"Nor  Mac  either,"  murmured  Flossie. 

"Well  girls,  you  have  'let  the  cat  out  of  the 
bag,'  sure  enough,"  said  Helen  with  a  healthy  gig- 
gle. "  Your  particular  friends  have  not  yet  forgotten 
their  summer  girls,  by  your  own  confessions,"  and 
they  blushed  and  laughed  gently. 

"  Only  Laura  and  I  are  neglected — out  in  the 
cold — come  and  let  us  sympathize  with  each  other, 
Laura."  She  came  and  Helen  hugged  her  and 
kissed  her  blushing  face. 

"Wilson  is  too  slow,"  said  Vic. 

"His  letter  will  be  worth  reading  when  it 
comes,"  replied  Helen. 

Laura  confessed  to  her  afterwards  in  confi- 
dence, that  she  had  received  a  note  from  Delano 
in  which  he  stated  he  was  homesick  to  get  back  to 
Capawock ;  but  supposed  it  would  be  too  late  when 
he  reached  Boston,  the  summer  girls  would  all  be 
gone,  and  he  would  see  her  when  she  visited  Ga- 
brielle,  in  New  York,  during  the  holidays. 

"A  whale!  a  whale!  there  she  blows!" 
shouted  an  excited  gentleman  on  the  north  piazza 
pointing  towards  Falmouth,  and  everybody  left 
their  chairs  and  gathered  around  him.  A  stream 
of  water  like  a  jet  from  a  garden-hose  arose  about 


214  THE    SEA    LETTER 

ten  feet  and  fell  in  a  curve  into  the  sea.  This  was 
repeated  several  times,  as  everyone  fixed  his  eyes 
upon  the  spot,  where  the  leviathan  of  the  deep  was 
floundering.  A  rounded,  brown  hump  rose  above 
the  surface,  moved  along  a  few  yards,  and  sank 
down  out  of  sight;  only  to  reappear,  go  through 
the  same  movements  again,  and  shoot  the  water 
skyward.  When  all  the  people  had  seen  him  well 
with  marine  glasses,  he  left  the  sound  and  contin- 
ued the  show  in  the  afternoon  at  Block  Island.  He 
came  into  the  Sound  to  the  westward,  and  finding 
the  water  warm  and  shallow,  and  too  contracted 
by  the  shoals  of  the  Middle  Ground,  Hedge  Fence 
and  L'Homme  Dieu,  gave  his  exhibition  to  the 
summer  guests  and  made  for  the  open  sea,  shaking 
his  fluke  in  the  air,  as  a  salute  to  the  Gay  Head 
Light-keeper. 

"They  come  in  here  occasionally,"  said  the 
doctor,  who  had  rushed  out  of  his  office  at  the 
alarm ;  "  the  landlord  says,  he  arranges  the  visits 
every  season  in  order  to  keep  the  guests  here 
later." 

"Just  as  others  do  with  the  sea-serpent,"  said 
the  discoverer  of  the  whale. 

"I  saw  a  sea-serpent  off  Cape  Neddick,"  ob- 
served a  yachtsman  in  the  crowd. 

"  In  your  boots  ?"  asked  one. 

"Through  the  bottom  of  a  glass  ?"  questioned 
another. 

"No!  in  the  ocean — It  looked  like  a  great 


THE    SEA    LETTER  21$ 

log,  projecting  at  an  angle  ten  feet  above  the  sur- 
face. It  changed  position  so  fast,  I  could  not  get 
a  look  at  it  with  the  glasses." 

"It  was  a  sword-fish — I've  seen  lots  of  them 
off  Nantucket.  That  sloop  in  the  Haven,  with  the 
iron  cage  upon  the  bowsprit,  is  a  sword-fisher.  A 
man  stands  in  it  and  throws  a  harpoon.  They 
catch  porpoises  the  same  way.  Whales  were  form- 
erly harpooned  from  a  boat,  but  they  now  shoot  a 
bomb-lance  out  of  a  gun.  Steamers  have  replaced 
sailing  vessels,  and  long  voyages  are  an  exception. 
One  Nantucket  captain  was  out  three  years,  and 
returned  without  any  oil  or  whalebone.  When 
asked  what  was  the  use  of  such  a  disgraceful  and 
expensive  voyage,  he  replied,  '  I  had  a  mighty  good 
sail,  anyway." 

The  crowd  listened  and  laughed  and  the  ladies 
returned  to  their  rocking-chairs  and  fancy  work. 
The  doctor  had  more  leisure  now  and  tarried  with 
them.  Miss  Dale  had  gone  back  to  her  school. 

"  With  a  breakwater,  this  would  be  another 
Newport.  It  is  situated  in  the  right  place  for  a 
rendezvous  when  sailing  east  or  west.  Our  yacht 
station  here  would  then  grow  into  a  magnificent 
club-house,  and  we  should  have  a  crowd  here  all 
summer,"  said  the  yactsman. 

"Wouldn't  that  be  glorious!"  exclaimed 
Flossie. 

"Here  comes  Etheridge  on  his  bike,"  said 
Helen. 


216  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"Hullo!  Skipper,  what  brings  you  to  the 
place  where  youth  and  beauty  most  do  congregate  ?" 
asked  the  doctor;  then  he  said  aside,  "I  call  him 
skipper  since  we  went  blue-fishing — ask  him  about 
it." 

The  skipper  was  a  good  fellow,  known  to  all 
the  party.  They  had  met  his  charming  daughters 
at  the  Haven. 

"  Exercise  and  a  new  project,"  he  replied 
laughing,  as  he  greeted  the  persons  around  with 
great  cordiality. 

"What's  up  now?"  asked  the  doctor. 

"I'm  going  to  paralyze  lobsters  by  electiic 
currents  so  they  cannot  nip  when  handled.  Ho, 
ho,  ho!  Ha,  ha,  ha!" 

"The  fishermen  are,  of  course,  opposed  to  this 
innovation  upon  old  time  methods?"  questioned 
the  doctor. 

"Of  course,  but  they'll  come  round — the  Old 
Salts  Club  on  Main  Street  are  discussing  the  mat- 
ter every  night.  It's  lucky  I  sprang  it.  They  had 
tired  of  the  November  storm,  summer  swells,  street 
improvements,  school  regulation,  and  disposition 
of  garbage,  and  my  idea  cleared  the  smoke  in  the 
club-room  and  revived  the  drooping  spirits  of  the 
minority." 

"You  had  a  fine  time  blue-fishing,  the  doctor 
says,"  observed  Gabrielle ;  "  I  long  to  know  all 
about  it." 

"Fine    time?    I  should   say  we  had — it  lays 


THE     SEA     LETTER  217 

over  every  trip  I  ever  made.  We  went  off  in  Ike's 
cat,  at  3  o'clock,  got  around  Cape  Poge  before 
dawn,  drew  fresh  eel-skins  over  the  jigs,  and  threw 
out  our  lines  as  soon  as  we  arrived  in  the  rips. 
The  boat  fairly  flew  over  the  sea ;  the  line  trailed 
out  astern  twenty  to  tweny-five  fathoms ;  the  jigs 
pulled  and  jumped  in  the  waves ;  we  stood  holding 
tight,  believing  the  uncertain  blues  could  not  be 
there,  and  we  could  not  catch  them  if  they  were. 

"  Suddenly  a  tug,  a  straightening  of  the  line, 
almost  pulls  you  over  the  stern ;  it  cuts  and  swishes 
right  and  left,  slackens  for  a  moment,  then  becomes 
taut  as  a  bow-string.  You  pull  hard  and  cut  your 
tender  hands ;  you  draw  in  steadily  and  strongly 
and  the  great  fish  springs  above  the  foam-capped 
waves,  shakes  his  head  sideways  viciously  to  dis- 
lodge the  torturing  hook,  and  plunges  deeply  into 
the  briny  blue  again,  jerking  furiously.  Your  hands 
are  sore,  your  arms  stretched,  your  necktie  is  awry, 
perspiration  runs  over  your  face  and  neck,  but  you 
will  conquer  or  die.  Nearer  he  comes,  his  eyes 
glaring,  his  mouth  open,  his  body  panting,  and  his 
resistance  more  a  dead  weight  than  in  the  early 
struggles.  You  become  too  confident  and  favor  your 
sore  hands  ;  the  fish  dashes  away  with  a  slack  and 
tangled  line ;  he  springs  above  the  tide  like  a  flash 
of  silvery  light ;  he  dives  down,  down  to  the  dark 
bottom ;  he  rushes  hither  and  thither  in  zigzags ; 
he  sulks,  and  seems  to  pull  a  hundred  pounds. 
You  grasp  the  line  firmer  though  it  hurts,  draw 


218  THE    SEA    LETTER 

him  steadily  nearer,  and  he  dives  beneath  the 
boat,  but  you  turn  his  course,  drag  him  alongside, 
and  land  him  upon  the  slippery  floor. 

"Caesar!  what  a  blue  gray  villian!  How  his 
eyes  flash  defiance,  his  jaws  snap  and  show  his 
teeth,  and  his  tail  hammers  the  plank!  Weighs 
ten  pounds  if  an  ounce — you  sink  fatigued  upon 
the  seat — victory  is  yours. 

"A  moment  before  you  have  thought  of  noth- 
ing but  fish  and  sea.  The  skipper  slaps  you  on 
the  back  and  says,  'Well  done  for  a  landlubber!' 
and  brings  you  backto  conciousness  of  other  things. 
You  notice  Ike  smoking  his  pipe,  holding  the  tiller 
carelessly  and  watching  the  sail  and  rough  water, 
and  wonder  at  his  coolness.  The  other  landlubber 
— your  doctor — is  toiling  over  his  line ;  he  pulls  and 
hauls  and  tangles  it  awkwardly;  he  sways  and 
staggers,  as  the  boat  pitches ;  he  chews  his  tongue 
and  watches  the  swishing,  jerking  line  eagerly, 
determined  to  land  that  fish  or  perish.  The  fish 
plays  the  usual  tricks,  yields  to  the  steady  strain, 
then  dashes  ahead  through  a  white-cap,  leaps  into 
sight,  dislodges  the  cruel  hook,  flips  his  tail  in  de- 
rision, and  returns  to  his  relations  below.  A  dis- 
gusted, demoralized,  despairing  look  clouds  your 
friend's  countenance — he  has  lost  his  first  case — 
he  glances  towards  the  skipper  with  a  deprecatory 
expression,  and  hears  him  say,  'There  are  as  good 
fish  in  the  sea  as  ever  were  caught,'  with  silent 
contempt. 


THE    SEA    LETTER  219 

"He  draws  in  his  line,  spits  upon  the  bait, 
glances  around  the  boat  resignedly,  and  throws 
his  hook  far  astern.  A  fish  takes  it,  his  face 
brightens,  his  arms  work  nervously,  he  pulls  hard, 
and  lifts  his  silver  majesty  over  the  rail,  dripping, 
flapping  and  rebellious. 

"'Bravo!'  I  cry,  'that  matches  mine  to  an 
ounce — two  families  will  be  well  fed  to-morrow.' 
I  unhook  my  prize,  coil  the  line  and  cast  astern 
again,  taking  a  position  of  expectant  attention. 
Ike  rushes  the  boat  into  rougher  water  and  a  school 
of  fish;  the  boat  dashes,  slaps,  sheers  and  plunges, 
throwing  spray  all  over  us;  the  fish  grab  the  bait 
fiercely  and  we  land  them  quickly ;  the  lines  are 
shortened  to  lessen  the  victim's  play;  we  soon  fill 
the  tub  with  a  pile  of  sea  beauties,  weighing  from 
three  to  twelve  pounds,  and  reel  up  our  lines,  fa- 
tigued and  satisfied. 

"Breakfast,  did  you  say?  It  is  nine  o'clock, 
and  we  had  been  so  excited  it  had  been  forgotten. 
The  nibbled  hardtack  during  the  sail  over  had  sus- 
tained us.  Now  we  haul  out  the  baskets,  anchor 
in  quiet  water,  start  the  oil-stove,  fry  blue-fish 
steaks,  make  delicious  coffee,  and  have  afeast  more 
relished  than  one  at  Delmonico's. 

"Catching  is  not  all  of  fishing, 
Eating  is  part  of  one's  life; 
Fishing  and  catching  and  eating, 
Sleeping  and  marrying  a  wife. 


220  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"We  laid  around  deck  smoking,  talking  and 
watching  the  fleet  of  cat-boats  that  went  skimming, 
darting  and  jumping  over  the  turbulent  rips  and 
mimic  seas  like  a  flock  of  gulls.  The  boats  were 
sailed  with  consummate  skill;  the  women  aboard, 
dressed  in  a  variety  of  costumes,  gave  color  to  the 
scene,  and  their  quick,  graceful  movements  in 
handling  the  lines  and  conquering  the  lusty  blues 
evoked  surprise  and  admiration.  Cries  of  disap- 
pointment, joy  and  victory,  mingled  with  chaffing, 
warnings  to  keep  off,  and  cordial  greeting.  Sev- 
eral boats  anchored  near  shore  to  get  breakfast,  or 
to  ease  the  qualms  of  sensitive  stomachs;  others 
ran  farther  east  and  anchored  upon  rocky  bottom  to 
fish  for  black  bass,  tautog,  scuppog,  weak  fish,  hake 
and  cod;  but,  as  the  schools  of  blue-fish  rushed 
away  in  search  of  herring — for  they  are  wild 
rovers  along  the  coast — the  boats  drew  together, 
slacked  off  their  sheets,  made  comparison  of  their 
catches,  and  related  the  experiences  of  the  morn- 
ingwith  many  a  jibe  and  jest — for  all  had  made 
good  hauls. 

"Then  we  sailed  in  amongst  them  and  told  our 
fish  story,  and  they  would  not  believe  we  were  high 
line  with  fifty-six  fish,  one  weighing  thirteen  pounds, 
until  we  had  counted  them  over  and  weighed  the 
monster.  The  breeze  was  rising  with  the  sun, 
Nantucket  and  Cape  Cod  deepened  the  haze  on  the 
horizon,  strong  puffs  of  wind  blackened  the  sea  in 
patches,  the  sky  was  half  full  of  gray  clouds  moving 


THE    SEA    LETTER  221 

rapidly,  the  sails  began  to  shake  and  belly  noisily, 
the  skippers  glanced  to  the  southwest  anxiously, 
and  all  of  them,  acting  as  if  by  common  impulse, 
hauled  in  the  sheets,  trimmed  the  sails  and  pointed 
their  boats  homeward. 

"  It  was  a  merry  race ;  we  were  neither  ahead 
nor  astern,  but  held  fair  speed  in  the  middle  of 
the  fleet,  and  enjoyed  the  good  company  and  live- 
ly pictures  of  our  competitors.  Never  shall  I  for- 
get the  exhilaration  and  pleasure  of  that  sail  upon 
the  summer  sea." 

The  narration  was  so  interesting  and  enthus- 
iastic that  the  hearers  listened  spell-bound. 

"It  was  glorious,  and  Etheridge  does  not 
exaggerate,"  said  Dr.  Kenelm,  after  the  long  con- 
tinued applause  had  ceased. 

The  band  was  playing  classical  rubbish — 
noisy  and  nerve  irritating — which  the  girls  did  not 
fancy,  and  they  strolled  down  to  the  wharf,  where 
several  persons  were  fishing  for  scup,  tautog  and 
flounder,  and  catching  sea-robbins  and  sculpins, 
and  others  were  watching  them  and  the  pleasure 
craft.  The  harbor  was  rippling  in  the  breeze,  per- 
sons afloat  were  shouting  and  singing,  the  oppo- 
site shore  cast  dark  shadows,  the  sunlight  streamed 
through  rifts  in  the  gray  clouds,  and  the  buildings 
along  the  Falmouth  shore  looked  startlingly  dis- 
tinct in  the  clear,  pearly  atmosphere. 

"We're  goin'  to  hev  an  east'ly;  I  kin  tell  by 


222  THE    SEA    LETTER 

the  loom  on  t'other  shore,"  said  an  old  man  posi- 
tively, who  sat  upon  a  cat-boat  moored  to  the 
wharf. 

"Wall,  'tis  'bout  time  we  had  a  break-up. 
We've  hed  awful  fine  weather  fur  quite  a  spell," 
answered  a  gray-haired  man,  sitting  and  fishing 
upon  the  edge  of  the  wharf,  backed  by  a  basket  and 
surrounded  by  broken  clam  and  quahaug  shells,  and 
half  a  dozen  shrivelled  scup  and  sculpins  which  he 
had  caught. 

"  I  s'pose  we'll  get  the  equinoctial  gale  before 
long,"  remarked  a  gentleman  near  by,  as  he  swung 
his  rod  and  cast  his  hook  far  out  from  the  wharf. 

"Yes;  summer  folks  has  had  a  good  spell 
o' weather:  now  we'll  hev  a  nor'easter,  an'  a  cold 
one,  too;  then  it'll  clair  up  an'  be  fine  nigh  onto 
Christmas." 

"That's  ginerally  the  sort,  butyer  can't  count 
on  it  alwus,"  added  the  boatman. 

"  Look  out !  James ;  don't  ride  so  near  the 
edge!"  exclaimed  an  anxious  mother  to  her  reck- 
less boy  on  his  bicycle. 

"Don't  worry,  ma;  I  could  ride  along  the  cap- 
ping, if  I  wanted  to,"  replied  the  youngster. 

"Laura,  look  out  for  the  carriage!"  called 
Gabrielle,  as  a  wagon,  full  of  people,  drawn  by  a 
spirited  bay  horse,  rushed  along  and  turned  round 
almost  in  their  midst. 

"From  Villa  Carita,  Miss  B —  driving,"  said 
Flossie  in  a  low  voice,  as  she  bowed. 


THE    SEA    LETTER  223 

"Who  are  those  ladies?"  asked  Helen  of 
Gabrielle,  who  had  just  returned  the  salutations  of 
a  trap  full  of  stylish  people  on  the  avenue. 

"They  are  from  West  Chop,  where  there  is 
an  unusual  combination,  health  and  wealth,  cour- 
tesy and  exclusiveness. 

"They  have  chosen  a  lovely  location  for  their 
cloistered  retreat." 

"Charming.  Do  you  know,  the  gnarled  and 
twisted  oaks  and  depressed,  flattened  cedars  there, 
remind  me  of  a  lot  of  witches,  with  dishevelled  hair 
and  flying  raiment,  fleeing  before  a  gale?" 

"  Yes,  they  have  an  uncanny  look  and  influ- 
ence, as  if  their  sighing  in  the  breeze  said, 

"'I'll  witch  sweet  ladies  with  my  words  and 
looks.' " 

"The  wind-swept  bluffs  and  scarred  cliffs 
have  always  been  a  favorite  spot  for  visitors,  and  it 
is  said,  the  reverential  cedars  were  once  so  thick 
that  children  walked  upon  their  tabled  tops." 

"The  views  of  ship  and  shore,  of  curling 
breakers  and  white-capped  billows,  of  the  great 
blue  dome  and  the  gorgeous  sunsets,  astonish  and 
delight  everyone." 

"  Here  comes  Mr.  Dewey  and  Tom  and  his 
dog  from  Innisfail,"  added  Gabrielle. 

Our  summer  girls  exchanged  nods  with  the 
riders  and  acknowledged  their  cordial  greetings 
with  smiling  faces. 

•'I  thought  they  had  gone."  said  Vic. 


224  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"They  are  not  in  a  hurry.  September  often 
has  a  hot  spell,  unbearable  in  the  city  after  a  sum- 
mer by  the  seaside." 

"I  wish  we  could  stay  till  October,"  said 
Laura. 

"Wouldn't  it  be  glorious?"  added  Flossie. 

"You  cannot  play  all  the  time,  girls.  Re- 
member your  music  and  language  lessons.  After 
you  are  finished  and  polished  it  will  be  time  enough 
for  longer  vacations,"  said  Helen. 

"Finished  and  polished,  indeed!  you  must 
think  we  are  furniture,"  said  Flossie  pouting. 

"  Auntie  and  I  have  begun  packing  our  trunks 
already,"  remarked  May. 

"  Papa  says,  'It's  cool  enough  in  the  city  now', 
and  we  are  going  Monday,"  added  Vic. 

"  I  am  sorry  to  hear  it,  but  I  suppose  that's 
the  next  bridge  we  must  cross,"  said  Gabrielle. 

The  girls  realized  for  the  first  time  that  the 
season  was  about  finished,  and  it  made  them  sad 
and  silent — they  had  been  such  a  happy  family. 
They  looked  along  the  shores  and  over  the  blue 
sea  long  and  lovingly,  turned  away  sighing  and 
silent,  and  went  back  to  the  hotel  for  supper. 

A  message  from  the  U.  S.  Weather  Bureau 
the  next  morning  announced  the  approach  of  a 
storm  of  rain  and  wind,  coming  up  the  coast  from 
Cape  Hatteras;  the  ominous  red  repeater  and  the 
red  square  with  black  center  were  flying  from  the 
pole  of  the  Signal  Station.  Most  of  the  hotel  guests 


THE    SEA    LETTER  225 

hurriedly  packed  their  trunks  and  departed  upon 
the  boats  for  Woods  Hole  and  New  Bedford  be- 
fore evening,  and  our  summer  girls  joined  the 
hegira.  At  the  great  Southern  Station,  whence 
the  iron  rails  spread  like  spider  legs  all  over  the 
country,  they  parted,  with  hugs,  kisses,  tears, 
laughter,  and  vows  of  eternal  friendship,  consoled 
somewhat  by  promises  of  future  reunions. 

A  cold,  northeast  gale  burst  upon  the  island 
that  evening  and  kept  delicate  persons  in  doors 
three  days;  the  shores  were  lashed  by  foaming 
surf;  the  harbor  was  full  of  storm-tossed  vessels; 
the  streets  were  covered  with  streams  and  puddles 
of  water;  the  flowers  and  shrubs  were  battered 
and  broken ;  the  trees  shed  much  of  their  foliage, 
and  dogs  scuttled  to  the  nearest  shelter.  A  few 
shrouded  figures  appeared  now  and  then  upon  the 
piazzas  of  the  hotels;  the  cottages  showed  few 
signs  of  life;  the  milk  and  market  men  came  at 
longer  intervals ;  the  mails  ceased  because  the  boats 
could  not  withstand  the  wind  and  sea,  and  the  Is- 
landers took  up  their  winter-quarters  about  the 
kitchen  stove. 

This  climatic  disaster  practically  ended  the 
season.  Day  by  day  lonesome  individuals,  forlorn 
couples,  and  family  groups  gathered  at  the  wharf 
amongst  the  bundles,  boxes,  trunks,  baby -carriages 
and  bicycles,  produced  their  season  tickets,  bade 
farewell  to  acquaintances  with  eager  friendliness 
sympathized  with  those  left  behind,  and  exulted  at 


226  THE    SEA   LETTER 

their  own  prospective  deliverance.  The  steam- 
boat was  no  longer  filled  to  the  hurricane  deck  by 
a  happy  throng :  there  was  no  need  of  hustling  a 
well-dressed  crowd  outside  the  wharf  gates :  no  mu- 
sic enlivened  the  occasion  for  the  band  had  depart- 
ed ;  and  the  hack-horses  drooped  their  heads, 
while  their  drivers  mourned  over  the  poor  business. 
The  steamer  seemed  to  sneak  away  ashamed  of  her 
small  load  of  passengers,  who  made  a  few  parting 
signals  with  handkerchiefs  and  hats  and  hastened 
inside  the  cabins,  while  the  abandoned  ones  walked 
slowly  and  sadly  up  the  wharf  and  scattered  about 
the  town,  as  if  returning  from  a  funeral.  There 
was  silence  and  solemnity  in  the  streets  everywhere, 
compared  with  what  had  been.  Most  of  the  hotels 
were  closed;  the  gay  stores  were  emptied  of  their 
art-treasures;  the  doors  and  windows  of  cottages 
were  shuttered  and  boarded ;  wind-shields  were 
placed  about  the  shrubs  and  young  trees;  the 
vines  and  flowers  were  shrivelled  and  dead ;  the 
parks  were  deserted,  and  only  here  and  there  a 
solitary  pedestrian  wended  his  way  timidly,  as  if 
afraid  of  the  sound  of  his  own  footsteps  upon  the 
concrete  pavement. 

It  was  different  over  at  the  Haven,  where  a 
pleasant  New  England  village  had  attracted  retired 
business  men  and  Government  officers  to  build 
permanent  homes,  and  the  population  was  dimin- 
ished only  slightly,  during  the  inclement  season. 


THE    SEA    LETTER  227 

There   was   life   and   society   there  all  the    year 
round. 


CHAPTER     XVIII. 


In  a  couple  of  weeks,  Ayllon  was  out  of  dan- 
ger and  far  advanced  towards  recovery,  and  Delano 
and  the  captain,  while  smoking  with  him  after  din- 
ner one  day,  alluded  cautiously  to  his  previous  life. 
He  had  kept  silent  about  his  personal  affairs  and 
history  during  their  daily  intercourse,  and  they 
were  anxious  to  hear  his  story,  because  of  his  ret- 
icence and  mysterious  occupation,  and  desirous  to 
have  all  the  evidence  possible  about  the  treasure. 

"  You  are  not  a  native  of  Maine,  I  presume, 
Mr.  Ayllon?"  asked  Delano  carelessly,  as  a  pre- 
liminary. 

"No;  of  Florida." 

"Indeed!  Why  have  you  wandered  so  far 
away  from  the  land  of  oranges  and  alligators?" 

"  In  search  of  my  lost  child ;  then  the  spirits 
whispered  in  my  ears  constantly  to  go  to  the  coast 
of  Maine,  and  I  was  obliged  to  obey." 

"What  spirits?" 

"My  wife's  and  my  father's — they  accompan- 
ied me  everywhere — but  I  may  as  well  tell  you 


THE   SEA    LETTER  229 

everything  since  you  know  the  secret  of  the  cave 
and  have  been  so  kind  to  me,"  said  he  in  a  grateful 
tone  of  voice. 

"  We  should  be  delighted  to  hear  it,  wouldn't 
we,  Captain?" 

The  captain  removed  his  pipe  and  said,  "  Cer- 
tainly; spin  us  the  yarn  Mr.  Ayllon,"  and  he  be- 
gan his  narrative. 

"I  was  born  in  18 — ,  at  St.  John's  Bluff  near 
the  sight  of  Fort  Caroline  upon  the  right  bank  of 
the  St.  Johns  River,  in  Duvall  County,  Florida. 
I  became  conscious  early  of  swinging  in  a  hammock 
under  a  tree  with  shining  green  leaves  and  round, 
golden  fruit;  my  face  was  tickled  by  a  bunch  of  pam- 
pas grass,  waved  by  a  black  woman  with  big  eyes 
and  white  teeth,  and  I  slept  at  night  by  a  beautiful 
white  faced  creature,  who  kissed  me  often  and 
smothered  me  with  covers.  I  looked  from  the  win- 
dows of  a  broad,  low  house,  surrounded  by  piazzas, 
at  a  great  stretch  of  river  that  reflected  the  sun- 
light and  dazzled  my  eyes.  I  saw  boats,  sailing 
craft  and  steamers  go  up  and  down  between  the 
banks  of  gray  and  green.  A  pretty  vessel  with 
great  white  sails  remained  at  anchor  several  weeks 
at  a  time  before  our  house,  and  a  tiny  boat  would 
bring  a  rough,  black-whiskered  man,  who  embraced 
my  mother,  and  kissed  and  tumbled  me  about  in 
a  horrible  manner.  My  black  mammy  said,  he  was 
my  father,  but  I  did  not  like  to  own  him  for  a  long 
time. 


230  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"When  I  became  older,  I  learned  that  I  was 
the  only  child  of  Juan  and  Catalina  Ayllon,  a  fami- 
ly of  Spanish  descent,  living  upon  a  plantation  of 
three  thousand  acres,  fronting  the  river  and  extend- 
ing back  along  the  creek  into  a  great  forest.  Our 
white  overseer  lived  in  a  cottage  upon  the  bluff 
below  our  mansion,  and  his  wife  and  little  girl 
were  almost  our  only  associates.  Our  slaves  lived 
in  cabins  along  the  creek,  where  there  was  a  vine- 
yard, orange  grove  and  melon  patch,  and,  beyond, 
were  great  fields  of  corn,  rice  and  cotton,  bounded 
by  runs,  swamps  and  the  great  pine  forest. 

"There  were  dugouts  in  the  creek;  sailboats 
on  the  river ;  horses  in  the  granero,  and  guns  and 
ammunition  in  the  houses,  and  I  soon  became  ac- 
quainted with  the  country,  and  had  all  the  boat- 
ing, riding,  fishing  and  shooting  any  reasonable 
youngster  could  desire.  There  was  plenty  of  game 
in  the  region  then — doves,  snipe,  quail,  marsh-hen, 
curlew,  duck,  turkey,  deer,  bear  and  alligator — 
and  I  was  in  a  boat  or  a  saddle  in  all  weathers, 
and  became  a  good  sportsman  and  a  well  develop- 
ed man. 

"  My  mother  was  too  delicate  for  the  annoy- 
ances and  austerities  of  plantation  life  in  such  an 
isolated  region,  though  she  had  numerous  servants 
and  an  ample  income ;  and  the  contentment  of  the 
men  with  the  bold,  free  life  made  her  grieve  more 
over  her  loss  of  society,  and  sink  into  a  fretful, 
hopeless  despair. 


THE    SEA    LETTER  231 

"She  taught  me  to  read  and  say  my  prayers, 
then  sent  me  to  the  overseer's  wife,  who  had  been 
a  school-teacher  in  the  North,  and  I  began  to  study 
and  recite  regularly  with  her  little  girl,  Margery. 
We  made  rapid  progress  in  history,  geography, 
mathematics  and  Latin,  and  I  was  obliged  to  les- 
sen my  wild  ramblings  in  order  to  keep  up  with 
my  companion.  I  was  prepared  for  college  at 
sixteen,  but  was  destined  never  to  enter.  I  learn- 
ed conversational  Spanish  from  my  parents,  stud- 
ied its  grammar  and  literature  after  I  had  finished 
the  Latin  classics,  and  saw  a  little  of  the  world  by 
going  with  my  father  to  the  West  Indies  and 
southern  ports  of  my  country,  carrying  the  pro- 
ducts of  the  plantation  and  the  fishing  in  the 
schooner  Cisneros." 

Delano  uttered  an  exclamation  and  met  the 
captain's  warning  glance,  as  he  said,  "Was  she 
the  vessel  that  lay  at  anchor  often  in  front  of  your 
home?" 

"  Yes,"  continued  Ayllon  without  noticing 
their  disturbed  manner,  "my  father  was  part  own- 
er and  had  a  crew  of  seven  men,  mostly  Minor- 
cans,  who  had  families  and  homes  along  the  river. 
They  all  spoke  Spanish — their  settlement  was 
often  called  Spanish  Town — and  they  had  some 
interest  in  the  vessel,  I  am  certain,  because  we 
carried  some  of  their  products  and  brought  their 
supplies,  and  I  noticed  my  father  always  consulted 
them  about  going  and  coming. 


232  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"They  went  fishing  during  the  winter;  sold 
their  catch  at  Cape  Haytien,  Matanzas  and  Hava- 
na, and  brought  back  aguadiente,  wines,  brandy, 
tobacco  and  sugar,  which  was  discharged  into  boats 
at  night  and  carried  inland  through  the  inlets  and 
sounds.  I  heard  the  men  talking  about  Warsaw, 
St.  Andrews  and  Sapelo  sounds,  and  asked,  why 
they  went  into  these  places  instead  of  Jacksonville, 
Brunswick  and  Savannah. 

"They  looked  at  each  other,  laughed  and  re- 
plied, 'That  would  be  too  dead  easy.'" 

The  captain  rubbed  his  hands  together  and 
said,  "  Difficult  places,  if  you  haven't  a  pilot.  I've 
blockaded  those  channels,  and  chased  vessels 
among  the  islands  and  up  the  creeks  until  they 
would  dodge  into  some  hole  in  the  woods  and  be 
hidden  by  the  foliage.  It  was  very  aggravating  to 
be  sure  of  a  prize  one  minute,  and  have  her  turn  a 
bend  in  the  channel  and  disappear.  I've  built  lots 
of  castles  with  the  prize-money  I  never  got." 

"  I  suppose  so — counting  the  eggs  before  you 
found  the  nest,"  said  Delano  smiling. 

"I  am  glad  you  missed  the  Cisneros,  Captain, 
because,  if  you  had  not,  you  might  not  be  here  to- 
night. She  had  two  beautiful  brass  24-pounder 
howitzers  and  plenty  of  small  arms,"  said  Ayllon. 

"Was  she  a  naval  vessel  or  a  privateer?" 

"Neither,  I  believe." 

"Then  she  was  a  pirate." 


THE     SEA     LETTER  233 

"  Not  exactly — only  private  property  the  own- 
ers intended  to  keep." 

"It  is  piracy  to  arm  a  private  vessel  without 
Governmental  authority." 

"  I  reckon  the  captain  would  have  had  papers, 
if  he  had  been  caught — but  he  did  not  calculate 
on  being  captured — alive." 

"I  should  have  been  delighted  to  have  met 
him  and  his  vessel,"  asserted  the  captain. 

"I  was  not  permitted  to  go  with  father  often — 
mother  would  have  been  too  lonely,  but  the  spring 
I  was  1 8  years  old,  the  mansion  was  closed,  mother 
and  I  went  on  board  the  schooner  and  sailed  away 
out  of  sight  of  land,  and  we  did  not  see  it  again 
for  three  weeks.  Then  rocky  shores,  high  land, 
and  an  old  castle  appeared,  which  father  pointed  out 
upon  the  chart,  as  Cape  St.  Vincent,  Portugal,  and 
we  were  astounded  at  the  information  vouchsafed, 
that  we  were  going  through  the  Straits  of  Gib- 
raltar to  mother's  old  home  in  Minorca.  I  was  so 
delighted,  I  hugged  and  kissed  old  blackbeard, 
though  he  smelled  of  tobacco  and  rum,  and  mother 
wept  quietly  for  joy  because  she  would  see  some 
of  her  childhood  friends,  the  scenes  of  her  youth 
and  her  parent's  graves  by  the  sea. 

"We  had  excellent  views  of  Gibraltar,  the 
mountains  and  coast  beyond  to  Cape  Gata,  and 
the  city  of  Cartagena,  where  we  took  in  water, 
and,  passing  in  sight  of  the  island  of  Majorca, 
dropped  anchor  in  Port  Mahon,  Minorca,  in  the 


234  THE    SEA    LETTER 

shadow  of  vine-clad  hills  and  the  towering  battle- 
ments of  the  fortifications. 

"Though  an  American  by  birth  and  resi- 
dence, I  seemed  to  have  known  only  the  fringe  of 
my  country,  and  my  exultation  was  great  that  I 
could  claim  heritage  through  my  parents  in  the 
glorious  Kingdom  of  Spain.  The  quaint  houses, 
walled  gardens,  profusion  of  flowers,  picturesque 
costumes,  sunny  skies  and  soft  airs  of  the  little  is- 
land in  the  blue  Mediterranean,  were  constant 
sources  of  pleasure  to  us,  and  mother's  health  im- 
proved rapidly  in  the  home  environment.  I  was 
awakened  to  a  broader  life  and  an  ambition  for  ex- 
traordinary achievements,  and  pursued  my  studies 
ardently  with  an  old  pensioner  of  the  University  of 
Madrid.  We  were  so  contented  and  happy  that 
we  merely  wondered,  when  the  Cisneros  did  not 
return  on  time,  but  letters  explained  the  delay,  and 
it  was  two  years  before  she  pushed  her  bowsprit 
into  port  and  showed  us  the  stars  and  stripes  above 
the  taffrail. 

"  My  kind  rough  father  was  as  glad  to  see  us, 
as  we  were  to  greet  him ;  he  told  us  all  the  news  of 
the  plantation  and  the  country,  and  we  embarked  and 
sailed  for  the  United  States.  We  stopped,  how- 
ever, at  Cadiz  and  father  took  us  to  Madrid,  where 
he  wished  to  examine  the  archives  in  reference  to 
the  title  to  our  estate,  which  had  been  a  grant 
from  King  Charles  V  to  our  ancestors  for  ser- 


THE    SEA    LETTER  235 

vices  rendered  the  Crown,  during  the  wars  with 
France  and  England. 

"We  were  amazed  in  the  two  cities  at  the 
magnificent  buildings,  the  multitude  of  people,  the 
splendid  uniforms  of  the  soldiers,  the  gay  dresses 
of  the  women,  and  the  politeness,  gayety,  noise 
and  music  of  the  streets,  and  it  all  seemed  a  dream 
after  our  return  to  the  vessel.  If  you  have  never 
seen  a  Spanish  city,  go  and  look  at  St.  Augustine 
and  Havana. 

"We  made  a  quick  run  across  the  ocean  in 
the  northeast  trade  winds,  called  at  Porto  Rico  for 
water,  but  did  not  visit  San  Juan  because  of  Quar- 
antine, and  entered  the  St.  Johns  River  and  anchor- 
ed in  front  of  our  plantation,  just  as  a  wild  norther 
swept  down  from  the  snow  fields  and  blackened  the 
early  fruit  and  vegetables  with  its  frigid  breath. 

"I  had  never  before  realized  what  pioneers 
we  were,  and  how  narrow  and  uncouth  our  life  was 
in  comparison  with  that  in  a  city.  My  education 
spoiled  me  for  a  planter,  but  circumstances  pre- 
vented my  being  anything  else  for  many  years. 

"We  landed  the  next  morning,  set  our  old 
servants  to  work,  and  soon  had  the  household  af- 
fairs running  as  usual.  There  was  a  little  more 
forest  cleared,  a  few  more  pickaninnies,  and — my 
school-mate  had  gone  North  to  college.  I  was  an- 
noyed she  should  go  away  so  far  and  I  not  be  told 
of  it.  I  had  often  brought  her  brown  hair,  blue- 
eyes,  and  sweet  face  before  my  mind's  eye  in  com- 


236  THE    SEA    LETTER 

parison  with  the  coquettish,  black-eyed  beauties 
of  Spain,  and  never  without  preferring  my  coun- 
try woman.  Intelligence,  purity  and  amiability 
shone  in  her  bright  eyes,  and,  when  she  smiled  her 
face  was  like  a  saint's.  I  had  thought  of  meet- 
ing and  greeting  her  on  the  home  coming,  and 
relating  to  her  all  my  experiences  and  adventures, 
and  to  find  her  gone  and  my  generous  intentions 
thwarted  choked  me  with  vexation  and  disappoint- 
ment. I  must  have  betrayed  my  feelings  to  her 
mother,  as  she  read  me  several  letters  from  Margery, 
but  did  not  ask  me  to  write  her,  though  I  did  after 
awhile,  because  I  could  not  otherwise  endure  her 
absence.  The  mother  wished  not  to  influence  me 
because  of  the  difference  in  our  social  positions — 
a  consideration  I  did  not  then  understand  and  now 
condemn.  Margery  answered  my  letter,  and  we 
continued  a  friendly  correspondence  until  her  re- 
turn home. 

"  I  remember  well  when  she  came,  a  sweet 
girl  graduate,  a  year  after  my  arrival  from  Europe. 
I  drove  my  pair  of  bays  to  the  road-wagon  up  to 
the  ferry  and  waited  with  her  mother.  The  boat 
came  over,  I  caught  a  glimpse  of  a  bright  face, 
brown  boots,  a  cloud  of  challie,  and  a  chip  hat  with 
a  scarlet  wing,  and  Margery  was  smothered  in  her 
mother's  arms.  I  lifted  my  hat  and  was  chagrined 
at  not  being  noticed,  until  her  mother  said,  'Mr. 
Ayllon,  Margery,'  when  she  stared,  took  my 


THE     SEA     LETTER  237 

hand  and  dropped  it  quickly,  saying, '  Oh !  how  you 
have  changed.' 

"  I  had  thought  out  this  meeting  beforehand 
and  wondered,  if  I  ought  not  to  kiss  her ;  but, 
when  I  saw  her,  I  would  as  soon  have  ventured  to 
kiss  one  of  the  Imperial  family,  and  I  could  only 
mutter,  'Howdy.' 

"  I  paid  a  great  deal  of  attention  to  the  road 
and  horses  going  back,  and  caught  but  little  of  the 
rattling  conversation  upon  the  back  seat.  Only  a 
few  commonplace  remarks  passed  between  us,  and 
I  landed  my  passengers  in  style  at  the  cottage  and 
left  them  with  a  stiff  bow.  I  did  not  know  what 
was  the  matter  as  well  as  I  do  now,  neither  did 
Margery,  but  the  constraint  caused  by  education 
and  altered  conditions  wore  away  gradually,  and 
she  became  a  favorite  with  everybody. 

"  My  father  was  too  restless  to  remain  long  at 
home,  and  I  was  obliged  to  keep  accounts  and  as- 
sist the  overseer  in  managing  the  plantation.  I 
rode  to  the  different  fields,  set  the  gangs  to  work, 
watched  the  seeding,  cultivating  and  harvesting, 
and  selected  the  markets.  At  the  end  of  two 
years,  I  understood  farming  fairly  well,  and,  when 
the  overseer  was  killed  by  the  bursting  of  his  gun 
while  hunting,  I  assumed  direction  of  affairs,  in- 
stalled his  wife  as  our  housekeeper  to  relieve  my 
mother,  and  the  next  year  Margery  and  I  were 
married. 


THE    SEA    LETTER 


"You  will  find  the  record  of  the  important 
event  in  the  old  cathedral  at  St.  Augustine,  where 
a  retinue  of  our  servants,  an  escort  of  neighbors, 
and  the  crew  of  the  Cisneros,  were  present  at  the 
ceremony,  and  took  part  in  the  feasting  and  fes- 
tivities at  the  plantation  during  the  whole  week. 
Father  remained  at  home  the  entire  month,  talked 
to  me  about  his  private  affairs  and  the  family  his- 
tory, and  gave  his  reasons  for  believing  there 
would  be  a  war  between  the  South  and  North.  He 
cautioned  me  to  take  no  part  in  it,  because  it 
would  be  my  duty  to  protect  the  women  and  our 
home  under  all  circumstances.  He  declared  his 
intention  to  deed  the  estate,  some  family  jewels  and 
a  fortune  to  Margery,  that  they  might  be  preserv- 
ed in  possession  of  a  neutral.  He  had  her  give 
him  a  gold  eagle  and  a  kiss  for  consideration, 
which  he  wrote  in  the  deed  at  $10,010.  He  told 
me  he  would  keep  the  valuables  in  a  safe  place  ; 
sailed  away  to  St.  Augustine  to  execute  the  papers, 
and  we  never  saw  him  again. 

"War  was  declared  soon  after  his  departure, 
and  he  sent  word  he  was  going  to  the  West  Indies  to 
await  events.  We  learned  that  he  went  to  the 
North  on  a  secret  mission  for  the  Confederate 
Government,  pretended  to  be  engaged  in  the  fisher- 
ies, made  a  rendezvous  at  Vineyard  Haven 
awhile,  and  ran  the  blockade  regularly,  carrying 
provisions  and  equipments  into  Sapelo  ^and  St. 
Andrew's  Sounds. 


•THE  SEA    LETTER  239 

"One  of  the  crew  sent  word  to  his  wife,  later, 
that  they  had  been  obliged  by  the  Revenue  Cut- 
ters of  Massachusetts,  whose  officers  had  become 
suspicious,  to  find  a  hiding  place  among  the  islands 
of  the  Maine  coast.  Then  we  heard  the  Cisneros 
had  arrived  at  Havana  with  a  full  cargo  of  cotton 
worth  nearly  two  dollars  a  pound — and  nothing 
more  for  a  long  time. 

"We  were  distressed  at  the  absence  of  father 
and  the  schooner,  and  anxious  over  the  war  in  our 
vicinity.  Gunboats  came  over  the  bar  and  up  the 
river,  shelling  the  banks  and  dragging  for  torpe- 
does; transport  steamers  loaded  with  soldiers  fol- 
lowed them ;  Jacksonville  was  captured  and  garri- 
soned ;  the  upper  reaches  of  the  river  were  patrolled, 
shelled  and  cleared  of  Confederate  boats,  and 
squads  of  soldiers  and  sailors  foraged  along  the 
banks,  seized  potatoes,  pigs  and  chickens  and  shot 
the  cattle.  I  had  to  submit  for  the  safety  of  the 
women,  but  the  negroes  and  natives  ambushed, 
captured  and  killed  some  of  the  robbers  all  along 
the  river.  One  afternoon,  a  fine  schooner-rigged 
gunboat  anchored  in  front  of  our  plantation,  and 
sent  some  men  ashore  to  get  milk  and  eggs.  The 
officer  in  command  was  polite  enough  and  paid  for 
the  supplies,  but  we  did  not  like  to  accept  his 
money.  Some  of  our  negroes  carried  news  of 
the  vessel's  arrival  to  a  camp  of  our  army,  and,  in 
spite  of  my  protests,  the  colonel  planted  a  battery 
of  guns  upon  the  bluff  in  front  of  our  house  at 


240  THE    SEA    LETTER 

night,  and  opened  fire  at  daylight, with  grape  and 
cannister  upon  the  vessel. 

"Caramba\  but  she  slipped  her  cable  and 
steamed  out  of  there  quickly,  with  splinters  flying 
and  bloody  men  along  the  deck ;  then  she  opened 
her  battery  upon  the  bluff,  dismounted  the  guns, 
tore  great  holes  through  the  forest,  riddled  our 
buildings  and  set  them  on  fire,  and  sent  a  landing- 
party  to  finish  the  terrible  work.  When  the  first 
shell  went  roaring  and  crashing  through  the  trees, 
the  terrified  field-hands  fled  back  into  the  woods 
and  ran  for  miles ;  several  house-servants  helped 
me  harness  our  best  horses  and  turn  the  others 
loose ;  the  carriage  and  wagons  were  loaded  with 
the  people  and  all  the  provisions,  house  goods  and 
valuables  they  could  carry,  and  we  drove  furiously 
away  from  our  burning  homes  amid  shrieking, 
bursting  shells  and  splintering,  falling  trees.  This 
was  war — destroying  both  the  guilty  and  the  in- 
nocent. 

"We  pulled  up  the  panting,  lathered  horses 
at  a  ravine  about  five  miles  back  from  the  river 
and  held  a  counsel.  The  women  had  made  no 
trouble  nor  sign  of  distress  until  then,  but  Margery 
was  now  crying  hysterically  and  her  mother  was 
comforting  her ;  and  my  mother,  who  had  been  fail- 
ing in  health  steadily  since  her  return  from  Minor- 
ca, was  leaning  back  in  the  carriage  upon  some 
pillows,  looking  very  pale  and  weak.  I  cheered 
them  all  with  brave  words,  got  water  from  the  run 


THE    SEA    LETTER  241 

to  bathe  face  and  hands,  gave  everybody  a  drink  of 
scuppernong  wine,  and  we  rested  awhile  and  list- 
ened to  the  heavy  cannonading  behind  us. 

"  I  had  built  a  log  hunting-cabin  farther  down 
the  road,  and  after  the  horses  had  cooled  and  re- 
covered their  wind,  we  drove  leisurely  to  it,  un- 
loaded our  precious  freight,  and  soon  had  the 
family  housed  and  comfortable.  All  went  well 
except  with  mother,  who  became  weaker  in  spite 
of  hot  applications  and  plenty  of  stimulants,  and, 
in  the  early  morning,  my  precious  mother  died — 
weakly  pressing  my  hand." 

Ayllon  stopped  and  sobbed  a  few  minutes, 
while  Delano  and  the  captain  sniffed  and  swallow- 
ed, and  walked  across  the  room  and  looked  out  of 
the  window. 

"Though  overwhelmed  by  grief,  my  duty  to 
the  living  could  not  be  neglected,  and  I  took  a 
wagon  and  one  negro  and  drove  back  to  the  plan- 
tation. The  gunboat  had  departed,  but  what  a 
scene  of  desolation  and  blackened  ruin  met  my 
eyes !  I  shuddered  and  went  to  work  to  avoid  fall- 
ing into  despair.  We  found  some  boards  of  the 
garden  fence  and  made  a  rude  coffin,  using  afew  tools 
scattered  under  the  shed ;  dug  a  grave  near  a  bunch 
of  pampas  grass  beneath  a  great  pine ;  gathered 
the  tools,  farming  implements  and  other  useful 
things  and  locked  them  in  one  of  the  abandoned 
cabins  ;  opened  a  potato-bank  and  loaded  the  wag- 
on; caught  most  of  the  chickens;  gathered  an 


242  THE    SEA    LETTER 

armful  of  flowers,   and  returned  to  the  hunting- 
lodge  and  scene  of  sorrow.     We  buried  mother  in 
the  afternoon  upon  the  bluff  overlooking  the  river; 
covered   her  rude  coffin  and  grave  with  flowers : 
placed    a   wooden    cross   at   the  head,  and  wept, 
black  and  white  together,  with  a  common  sorrow. 
"  Our  plantation  was  not  molested  any  more ; 
a  few  slaves  returned  to  their  homes  and  gathered 
the  crops;  we  lived  at  the  camp  and  superintend- 
ed the   farm-work  by  the  river,  and  sold  our  pro- 
duce at  good  prices  to  the  northern  invaders.  The 
Declaration  of  Emancipation  by  President  Lincoln 
made  our  negroes  restless  and  independent,  since 
we  could  not  punish  them  as  formerly;  but  enough 
remained  obedient  and  faithful  to  the  family  to 
enable  me  to  carry  on  the  plantation  until  it  was 
confiscated  and  sold,  as  the  property  of  a  rebel,  by 
the  U.  S.  Government,  and  I  was  legally  dispos- 
sessed.    It  was  a  cruel  blow,  but  I  prevailed  upon 
the  owner  to  keep  my  mother's  grave  sacred  and 
inviolate,  and  he  employed  me  to  continue  my  care 
of  the  whole  property  until  he  took  possession  in 
1 8 — .     That  year  our  first  child  was  born  and  we 
named    her  Laura  after   Margery's   mother,   her 
grandmother,   who  would    not  permit  any  black 
mammy  to  take  the  place  of  her  mother  or  herself. 
"The  hundred  acres  about  the  camp  were  not 
a  part  of  the  plantation  and  remained  fortunately 
in  my  possession.     I  cleared  enough  to  furnish  a 
comfortable  living  for  the  family  and  few  negroes 


THE    SEA    LETTER  243 

who  remained  faithful,  sold  most  of  the  horses  and 
vehicles  and  invested  the  proceeds  at  a  high  rate 
of  interest,  and  began  to  enjoy  life  again  with  my 
loved  ones.  Margery  and  her  mother,  however, 
were  discontented  over  our  isolation  in  the  woods, 
and  the  absence  of  all  those  amenities  of  social 
life  found  in  town.  They  crossed  bridges  before 
they  came  to  them,  or,  in  other  words,  foresaw  the 
deprivations  and  tribulations  of  Laura  should  she 
remain  in  the  wilderness.  The  dear  child  was  so 
happy  with  the  buds  and  blossoms,  the  butterflies, 
birds,  kittens,  chickens,  dogs  and  horses,  and  so 
healthy  and  robust  from  her  free  out-of-door  life, 
that  I  ridiculed  their  notions  and  put  away  any 
thought  of  change.  But  a  little  sister  came  poor 
and  puny,  full  of  cries  and  temper,  and  Margery's 
recovery  was  unpromising  and  slow.  Our  distance 
from  medicines  and  medical  aid,  and  the  paucity  of 
delicacies  and  variety  of  food  so  necessary  in  the 
alimentation  of  whimsical  and  suffering  invalids, 
gave  cogency  to  the  arguments  for  removal  and 
set  me  to  thinking  seriously  about  it. 

"It  seemed  desirable  for  the  women  and 
children,  and  would  afford  me  opportunities  for 
intellectual  activity  and  development  not  possible 
in  the  woods.  I  rented  the  farm  to  my  best  ne- 
groes and  moved  to  St.  Augustine,  which  my 
ancestors  had  assisted  in  founding,  and  took  resi- 
dence in  one  of  the  old  Spanish  houses,  having 
barred  windows,  balconies  and  walled  garden, 


244  THE    SEA    LETTER 

situated  in  one  of  the  narrow  streets.  The  city 
was  in  a  modern  turmoil  of  splendid  improvement, 
thronged  with  gay  people  throughout  the  winter, 
and  we  were  excited  and  delighted  by  the  new  life 
and  its  festivities. 

"I  had  read  some  law  and  become  a  legal 
arbiter  for  my  few  acquaintances  along  the  river, 
and  I  wrote  fairly  well;  therefore,  I  secured  a 
position  with  a  law-firm  to  do  writing  for  a  moder- 
ate compensation,  a  desk  and  the  use  of  the  library 
in  the  office,  and  began  work  much  more  congen- 
ial than  farming.  Time  slipped  away  pleasantly 
then  ;  I  was  admitted  to  practice  before  the  courts, 
and  increased  my  income  considerably.  I  had 
searched  the  archives  and  there  was  not  any  record 
of  a  deed  from  my  father  to  Margery,  and  I  de- 
cided there  was  no  hope  of  regaining  the  estate. 

"One  day  I  took  Margery  and  the  baby, 
Belita,  around  to  Jacksonville  upon  an  excursion 
steamer,  leaving  Laura  with  the  servants,  and  re- 
turned in  the  evening.  We  found  the  house  in  a 
turmoil,  the  servants  wringing  their  hands  and 
crying,  and  Laura  gone.  Margery  screamed  and 
fainted,  and  we  were  busy  restoring  and  comfort- 
ing her  awhile;  we  notified  the  police,  visited  all 
the  houses  for  squares  around,  and  kept  a  crowd 
of  people  searching  the  alleys,  streets  and  country 
roads  all  night  and  next  day.  Messages  were  tele- 
graphed in  all  directions,  describing  the  child  and 
her  dress ;  the  Indian  camps  were  searched ;  the 


THE    SEA    LETTER  245 

harbor  was  dragged ;  vessels  were  examined,  and 
everything  reasonable  done,  but  not  a  trace  could 
we  find  of  our  darling — every  clew  ended  in  dis- 
appointment. Advertisements  brought  no  answers, 
and  our  moderate  reward  went  unclaimed." 

Ayllon  covered  his  face  with  his  only  useful 
hand  and  wept  silently,  the  captain  groaned  aloud, 
and  Delano,  with  tears  in  his  eyes,  placed  his  hand 
upon  the  sufferer's  head  and  said,  "My  dear  Ayllon, 
do  not  grieve  so ;  it  will  hinder  your  recovery.  We 
sympathize  with  you  from  the  bottom  of  our 
hearts." 

The  poor  man  gradually  recovered  control  of 
his  emotions  and  continued:  "The  conviction  was 
forced  upon  us  that  our  child  had  been  kidnapped 
or  drowned,  and,  though  we  did  not  cease  to  hope 
for  her  recovery,  our  souls  were  full  of  despair. 
The  shock  killed  Margery.  She  had  been  delicate 
since  the  birth  of  Belita,  and  faded  away  like  a 
frost-blighted  lily — neither  the  best  attendance, 
nor  my  tender  love  could  stay  the  destroyer — her 
heart  was  broken — and  she  died.  Excuse — me — 
gentlemen — I — cannot — finish  my  story — now — ." 


"Our  kind  friend  at  the  Bluff  generously 
granted  me  permission  to  bury  my  beloved  by  my 
mother's  side,  and  there  we  laid  her  and  our  hearts 
with  her.  Since  that  time,  I  have  been  a  home- 
less wanderer  with  poor  Belita — and,  now,  she  is 


246  THE    SEA    LETTER 

at  rest,  thank  God !  and  I,  the  last  of  a  doomed 
family  linger.  Oh!  why  did  you  not  let  me  die?" 

Ayllon  paused  and  struggled  to  control  his 
emotions;  the  captain  walked  the  floor  uneasily,  as 
if  ready  to  shout  his  orders  aloft,  and  Delano  cried, 
"Can  God  send  such  afflictions  upon  His  own, and 
not  arouse  our  doubts  of  His  goodness  and  mercy?" 

"I  thought  I  should  lose  my  mind  for  awhile," 
continued  the  stricken  man,  "but  I  fought  against 
hallucinations  for  dear  Belita's  sake,  and  wander- 
ed over  America  led  by  whims  and  fancies.  An 
Indian  woman,  a  sorceress  of  the  Everglades,  told 
me  she  saw  my  father  in  a  terrible  storm,  my 
mother  in  a  beautiful  country,  spirits  hovering 
around  me,  and  a  cloud  of  disaster  threatening.  I 
would  have  a  great  sickness,  recover  and  find  a 
fortune — my  latter  days  would  be  full  of  peace  and 
happiness.  At  a  spiritual  seance,  in  New  York,  a 
medium  represented  my  father's  spirit — he  had 
been  free  for  many  years — he  wished  me  to  go  to 
the  coast  of  Maine  and  seek  valuable  things — he 
would  tell  me  when  to  stop — my  mother  and  Mar- 
gery were  in  the  spirit  land — he  had  seen  and 
talked  with  them — they  attended  me  frequently — 
Laura  was  not  there. 

"There  was  mystery,  comfort  and  hope  in 
the  communications.  I  went  to  Maine  and  felt  a 
strange  impulse  to  stop  at  B — .  I  tried  to  leave 
the  city  several  times,  but  my  feet  dragged  and  I 
could  not.  I  became  en  rapport  with  a  number 


THE    SEA    LETTER 


of  spiritualists  and  attended  their  seances.  My 
father,  mother  and  Margery  came  frequently  and 
conversed  through  mediums  with  me  and  Belita 
and  brought  us  happiness.  If  this  is  delusion,  I 
thought,  it  is  sent  from  Heaven  to  protect  us  from 
ourselves.  I  could  get  no  news  of  Laura  —  they 
answered,  'she  is  not  here'.  We  would  have  been 
comforted,  if  she  had  been. 

"I  was  instructed  about  the  cave  and  the 
treasure  therein,  and  guided  to  the  ledge  where 
you  found  me.  Cultivation  of  a  receptive  acquies- 
cence enabled  both  Belita  and  myself  to  become 
mediums  at  will  for  our  own  instruction,  protec- 
tion and  happiness,  and  I  prosecuted  the  labor  of 
the  search  under  spiritual  guidance.  I  believe 
this  as  firmly  as  I  believe  I  am  alive.  I  have  not 
found  the  treasure,  but  I  was  approaching  near  it, 
when  the  unfortunate  accident  occurred. 

"  My  mother-in-law,  Mrs.  Reed,  who  was  with 
me  until  recently,  said  I  was  crazy,  and  went  off 
in  a  huff  to  California.  Now  I  am  crippled  for  a 
time  and  will  go  south  to  recuperate,  and  return 
later  to  get  the  treasure.  Am  I  crazy?  Do  I  look 
like  a  maniac?  Ha!  ha!  ha!" 

The  laugh  startled  the  listeners  a  little,  but 
they  hastened  to  assure  Ayllon  he  was  not  crazy, 
and  that  they  believed  treasure  had  been  hidden 
in  the  cave  and  would  be  recovered  some  time. 

This  gave  him  great  satisfaction  and  he  said, 
"  Perhaps,  I  may  find  my  daughter  some  day." 


248  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"God  grant  it!"  exclaimed  Delano  earnestly. 

Ayllon  was  exhausted  by  excitement  and 
emotion,  and  his  friends  thanked  him  for  his  story 
and  bade  him  farewell,  promising  to  see  him  the 
next  morning. 

"What  a  sad  history!"  said  Delano  sighing; 
"the  world  seems  full  of  tragedy." 

"Yes,  we  know  little  of  the  sorrows  of  our 
fellows,"  answered  the  captain,  lighting  his  pipe. 

"Did  you  ever  hear  of  the  Cisneros  on  the 
blockade,  Captain?" 

"Certainly;  she  was  chased  several  times,  but 
sailed  too  fast  for  us.  I  was  aboard  of  the  gunboat, 
which  was  attacked  from  the  Bluff,  but  I  did  not 
wish  to  acknowledge  it  to  Ayllon." 

"  Is  it  possible  ?  Did  you  ever  meet  any  of 
the  family?" 

"  Yes  ;  before  and  after  the  fight.  We  left 
rather  suddenly,  you  know." 

"Yes,  rather  suddenly,"  muttered  Delano, 
with  his  mind  intent  on  something  else,  and  they 
got  into  the  boat  and  rowed  down  to  the  cutter. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


It  rained  the  next  two  days,  and  all  remained 
on  board  in  the  cosy  cabin  and  under  the  awning 
of  the  yacht,  smoking  and  yarning,  as  only  sailors 
can.  It  was  impossible  to  read  much — there  was 
too  much  to  divert  attention.  The  two  gentlemen 
called  upon  Ayllon  the  third  day  and  pursuaded 
him  to  visit  Capawock,  as  soon  as  he  was  able; 
then,  to  stop  at  New  York  on  his  way  South,  and 
Delano  forced  him  to  accept  a  loan  of  money, 
which  he  said  he  might  return  when  he  came  into 
possession  of  his  fortune.  The  doctor  and  land- 
lord were  paid  two  weeks  ahead,  as  the  former  de- 
clared the  patient  could  travel  safely  by  that  time, 
and  the  yachtsmen  took  leave  of  Ayllon  with  hearty 
cordiality. 

The  yacht  sailed  around  to  Southwest  Harbor 
for  supplies,  and  over  to  Cranberry  Island  Harbor, 
where  they  examined  the  channel  between  the 
islands  and  anchored  for  the  night.  There  was  a 
dead  calm  the  next  morning,  and  all  hands  took  a 
run  over  the  village  and  the  islands  until  noon. 


250  THE    SEA    LETTER 

They  got  under  way  after  lunch,  sailed  along  the 
shore  of  Mt.  Desert  to  have  a  look  into  French- 
man's Bay,  and  went  out  to  sea  around  Baker's 
Island.  The  views  of  Mt.  Desert  from  outside 
were  exquisitely  beautiful.  Dark  shadows  filled 
the  ravines  between  the  mountains  and  extended 
to  their  feet  in  shades  of  purple  and  gray,  blend- 
ing with  the  blue  evening  mists  and  gleaming 
spray.  Noble  villas,  located  upon  every  available 
promontory,  from  which  the  evening  lights  were 
beginning  to  twinkle,  looked  down  upon  the  rocky 
shore  like  robber  castles  on  the  Rhine.  Delano 
thought  he  had  never  seen  a  more  beautiful  picture 
in  nature,  and  he  longed  for  brushes  and  palette, 
that  he  might  seize  and  secure  its  evanescent 
beauties. 

"  Homeward  bound  at  last,"  said  the  captain, 
slapping  his  knee ;  "  I've  shaped  a  course  to  Mon- 
hegan,  which  we  will  coast  along  and  then  run 
to  Portland.  I  wonder  how  Alice  is  getting  on?" 

"All  right,  of  course,  old  man.  My  friends 
must  have  departed  from  Capawock  by  this  time," 
replied  Delano. 

"  No  doubt.  This  first  week  of  October  will 
find  few  summer  birds  there.  They  begin  the 
flight  with  the  snipe  and  yellow-legs,  though  the 
autumn  months  are  very  mild  and  agreeable." 

The  easterly  breeze  freshened  after  sunset, 
a  club -topsail  and  spinnaker  were  carried  all 
night,  Matinic  Island  was  passed  at  a  distance, 


THE    SEA    LETTER  251 

Monhegan  was  approached  near  enough  to  see  the 
fine  light-house  and  open  harbor,  and  the  anchor 
was  dropped  inside  the  Portland  breakwater  late  in 
the  evening.  They  were  off  again  at  daylight  be- 
fore a  strong  northeaster,  which  hurried  the  yacht 
to  Thatcher's  Island  before  dark;  passed  the  twin 
lights  of  Baker's  Island  into  quaint  Marblehead 
for  late  supper,  and  anchored  in  the  old  berth  op- 
posite the  Corinthian  club-house.  Two  fine  days 
had  favored  the  voyagers  greatly;  the  next  morn- 
ing opened  with  a  southeast  gale  and  rain,  and 
confined  them  to  the  cabin  and  cockpit  all  day. 

Delano  was  sorry  the  cruise  was  so  near  its 
end.  He  lay  back  upon  the  cushions  and  listened 
to  the  patter  of  the  rain  and  the  whistling  wind  in 
the  rigging,  with  a  sense  of  enjoyment  and  person- 
al comfort  not  often  experienced  in  a  howling  gale. 
The  marine  glasses  hung  in  their  leather  case  at  his 
feet;  the  barometer  above  marked  29.8;  the  ther- 
mometer, 58°;  the  fog-horn,  charts  and  flags 
were  in  the  bunk  above  him,  and  the  swinging- 
lamp  was  turned  low.  The  captain  was  asleep; 
the  companion  way  dripped  a  little  water  upon  the 
steps  below;  heavy  coats,  oil-clothes  and  rubber- 
boots  lay  handy,  and  the  table  was  buttoned  up 
beneath  the  deck.  Delano  saw  all  these,  with  the 
bright  beams  and  gilt  mouldings  around  him,  and 
his  apprehension  was  dulled,  or  the  cigar,  that  had 
burned  to  ashes  next  his  lips,  filled  his  mind  with 
nicotic  fancies  and  he  dreamed. 


252  THE    SEA    LETTER 

He  was  awakened  by  the  sharp  tones  of  Me- 
rangue  in  the  companionway,  "  She  is  dragging, 
Sir!"  He  sat  up  and  rubbed  his  eyes.  The  cap- 
tain sat  opposite  to  him  putting  on  oil-skins  and 
rubber  boots.  He  did  the  same  thing  mechani- 
cally. There  was  music  in  the  air;  the  wind  was 
playing  a  string-band  concert  upon  the  rigging; 
the  chain-cable  was  twanging  bass  across  the  wire 
bobstay,  and  Merangue  was  giving  the  yacht  more 
scope. 

"What's  the  matter,  Captain?  What  are  you 
going  to  do  ? "  asked  Delano,  smiling  though  his 
teeth  were  rattling. 

"Do?  Let  go  the  heavy  anchor,  of  course. 
I  can't  sleep  comfortably  with  only  one  hook  in  the 
mud,  and  it  blowing  great  guns  like  this." 

"  That's  what's  the  matter  with  me — only  I 
was  asleep  on  watch.  I  s'pose  I'll  have  to  be 
court-martialed." 

The  captain  looked  at  his  messmate  sharply  a 
moment  and  went  upon  deck  and  forward,  where 
Merangue  was  handling  chain  and  Bobby  held  the 
lantern.  Phew!  how  it  blew,  and  how  searching  the 
rain  down  the  neck  and  between  the  buttons.  The 
yacht  was  sheered  a  little  by  the  rudder  and  the 
starboard  anchor  dropped ;  the  cables  were  veered 
to  twenty  and  thirty  fathoms  respectively;  the 
topmast  was  housed,  the  awning  furled,  and  the 
yacht  hung  well  on  the  triangle,  but  there  could  be 
no  more  rest  that  night.  Vessels  were  dragging 


THE    SEA    LETTER  2 S3 

all  over  the  harbor;  many  times,  it  was  only  by 
pushing  and  hauling,  sheering  by  the  rudder,  and 
shooting  under  a  piece  of  the  staysail,  that  they 
avoided  being  wrecked  by  drifting,  unmanageable 
craft.  Bob  made  coffee  and  set  out  lunch,  and 
they  ate,  smoked,  told  stories  and  watched,  with  a 
head  above  the  companion  slide  most  of  the  time, 
and  all  hands  making  sudden  rushes  when  danger 
threatened.  Daylight  revealed  a  multitude  of 
stranded  and  more  or  less  battered  vessels,  but 
Orinda  was  uninjured. 

"This  don't  amount  to  nothing  like  a  Vineyard 
blow,  Delano,"  remarked  the  captain. 

"No;  but  if  the  wind  had  been  northeast, 
we'd  have  had  a  picnic.  I  dragged  in  the  harbor 
once  with  three  anchors  down,  and  kept  half  afloat 
and  half  under  water,  having  brought  up  with  a 
fluke  under  a  rock,  when  I  was  within  forty  feet 
of  the  shore." 

"  Rather  narrow  sea-room,  eh  ? "  said  the  cap- 
tain. 

"Yes,  and  we  had  a  half  day's  work  unhook- 
ing the  anchor." 

The  sea  was  heavy  upon  the  south  shore  of 
the  Neck  and  the  surf  was  magnificent.  It  was 
smoother  the  next  day ;  the  yacht  made  a  pleas- 
ant run  to  Boston,  and  her  last  gun  was  fired,  as 
she  dropped  anchor  off  the  Boston  Yacht  Club. 
The  precious  chest  and  baggage  accompanied  our 
friends  to  the  hotel ;  the  crew  was  paid  off  next 


254  THE    SEA    LETTER 

morning  with  a  liberal  bonus,  and  the  yacht  was 
delivered  to  her  keepers  at  the  yard,  where  she 
was  immediately  unloaded,  stripped  and  covered. 
There  she  may  be  seen — or  others  like  her — any 
winter,  high  upon  her  blocks  and  cradle — a  verit- 
able marine  chrysalis. 

Delano  and  the  captain  arrived  at  Capawock 
the  next  afternoon ;  most  of  the  hotels  and  cottages 
had  closed  their  doors  and  windows  with  unsightly 
boards  and  shutters,  and  people  were  scarce  in  the 
streets.  Alice  and  Lucy  gave  them  warm  welcome. 
Delano  took  up  his  old  quarters  in  the  front  room, 
and  placed  the  chest  upon  a  table  preparatory  to  an 
investigation  of  its  contents — a  task  they  had  of- 
ten thought  over  and  postponed,  because  of  the 
necessity  of  tools,  labor  and  security.  Mrs.  Oliver 
considered  the  sea-chest  a  relic  of  Delano's  yacht- 
ing outfit  and  laughed  at  its  salty  appearance. 
That  night  they  began  upon  the  double  lock  and 
in  half  an  hour  raised  the  lid.  A  hot,  spicy  odor 
filled  the  room.  The  contents  were  hidden  beneath 
pampas  grass  and  banana  leaves;  then  came  a 
piece  of  canvass,  covering  a  bundle  of  papers,  a 
cigar  box,  aud  two  corded  bags  full  and  heavy. 
They  opened  the  smaller  bag  and  were  astonished 
and  gratified  at  the  golden  outpour  of  American 
eagles  to  the  number  of  one  thousand.  The  larger 
bag  held  a  mixture  of  English  sovereigns,  French 
napoleons  and  Spanish  pesetas,  amounting  by  cal- 


THE    SEA    LETTER  255 

dilation  to  twenty  thousand  dollars,  which,  with 
the  American  money,  made  the  snug  sum  of  $30,- 
ooo. 

"Non  nobis  solum"  muttered  Delano. 

"What  do  you  say?"  asked  the  captain. 

"Not  for  us  alone." 

"Whose  then?"  demanded  the  captain  some- 
what fiercely. 

"  I  do  not  know — we  shall,  perhaps,  find  out 
from  the  papers." 

"'Finders  are  keepers'  amongst  the  boys, 
and,  if  this  is  a  pirate's  hoard,  we've  a  right  to 
keep  it." 

There  was  a  mournful  whistle  in  the  chimney 
and  the  old  house  shook  and  snapped  loudly.  The 
wind  was  rising  and  the  harbor  looked  as  black  as 
ink.  Delano  arose,  pulled  all  the  shades  down 
closely,  and  locked  the  door  before  replying. 

"Granted — but — "  a  brilliant  light  filled  the 
room,  a  terrific  peal  of  thunder  shook  the  house, 
and  the  air  smelled  sulphurous. 

Delano  sprang  from  his  chair,  pale  and  fright- 
ened. 

"  The  Devil  is  getting  into  the  chimney  again," 
said  the  captain,  lighting  his  pipe,  which  had  gone 
out  during  his  intense  interest  over  the  gold. 

"Caesar!  that  was  heavy — must  have  struck 
near  here,"  said  Delano. 

"Probably;  we'll  get  some  cold  weather  after 
this,"  replied  the  captain  coolly. 


256  THE    SEA    LETTER 

They  put  the  money  back  in  the  bags  and 
opened  the  box,  which  was  bradded,  as  if  full  of 
cigars.  Instead,  there  was  a  lot  of  Confederate 
bills  stuffed  in  around  articles  of  jewelry  that  were 
wrapped  separately  in  silk:  a  brooch  set  with  dia- 
monds and  pearls ;  a  pair  of  diamond  earrings,  and 
a  pair  with  reddish  jade  pendants;  a  belt-buckle 
with  diamonds,  rubies,  emeralds  and  sapphires; 
a  bracelet  in  the  form  of  a  serpent,  with  ruby  eyes 
and  emerald  scales,  and  rings,  pins,  chains,  buck- 
les, combs  and  other  articles  of  pure  gold  not  es- 
pecially valuable. 

The  moment  Delano  saw  the  serpent  brace- 
let, he  seized  and  examined  it  with  great  eagerness. 
There  was  no  mistaking  its  unique  design  and 
workmanship.  The  captain  gloated  over  the  treas- 
ures and  admired  everything. 

They  wrapped  up  the  jewelry,  as  they  found 
it,  and  were  crowding  in  the  Confederate  bills, 
when  Delano  noticed  a  hundred  dollar  bill  with  a 
peculiar  back.  There  was  a  moonlight  landscape 
and  a  grave  with  a  cross  at  the  head,  inscribed, 
"In  Memoriam."  The  foot-stone  read,  "C.  S.  A.;" 
a  draped  flag  of  Dixie  rested  with  the  staff  against 
the  cross,  and  beneath  the  picture  there  was  print- 
ed, 


THE    SEA    LETTER  257 

"  Representing  nothing  on  God's  earth  now, 
And  naught  in  the  waters  below  it — 
As  the  pledge  of  a  nation  that's  dead 

and  gone, 
Keep  it,  dear  friend,  and  show  it." 

They  examined  it  with  curiosity  and  surprise. 
It  was  evidence  the  owner  of  the  chest  knew  the 
Confederate  promises  to  pay  were  worthless  and 
had  used  them  for  packing.  They  were  memen- 
toes of  that  hopeless  struggle  of  a  heroic  minority 
of  the  people  against  a  wealthy  and  powerful  ma- 
jority. 

"  Shin  plasters ! "  ejaculated  the  captain  scorn- 
fully. 

"Promises  to  pay,  with  nothing  but  hope  in 
the  treasury,"  remarked  Delano. 

Lastly,  they  removed  the  wrinkled  wrapper 
from  the  bundle  of  papers,  untied  the  yellow  cigar 
ribbons  that  bound  them  and  spread  them  out  up- 
on the  table.  It  was  seen  at  once  that  all  the 
documents  except  one  were  in  the  Spanish  lang- 
uage. The  captain  glanced  over  them  with  a  smile 
of  ,  gratified  pride,  and  suddenly  exclaimed, 
"Ayllon,  as  I  live!  Look  here!  a  warranty  deed 
from  Juan  Ayllon  and  Catalina,  his  wife,  to  Marg- 
aret Reed  Ayllon,  her  heirs  and  assigns  forever; 
executed  at  St.  Ausgustine,  Florida,  December 
24th.,  1860,  giving  her  the  great  plantation  at  St. 
John's  Bluff,  and  all  the  personal  and  mixed  pro- 


258  THE    SEA    LETTER 

perty,  including  twenty  negroes,  mentioned  by 
name." 

"  By  Jove !  that  was  before  war  was  declared — 
and  she  and  her  husband  were  non-combatants. 
You  can  testify  to  that,  Captain,  for  you  know  the 
circumstances  connected  with  the  attack  upon  the 
Ottawa." 

"Jerusha!  how  things  come  around.  Let  me 
see — um — properly  signed,  executed,  witnessed 
and  stamped,  and — never  put  on  record.  Seems  to 
me,  that  it  can  be  recorded  now,  and  her  heirs — her 
husband — recover  his  own  again.  The  Govern- 
ment would  be  obliged  to  set  aside  its  condemna- 
tion and  sale,  and  indemnify  the  innocent  buyer 
for  his  improvements.  These  other  papers  are  all 
signed  Juan  Ayllon." 

"  Captain  ;  the  chest  and  contents  undoubted- 
ly belonged  to  Ayllon's  father,  Juan — that  was 
his  name,  and  his  wife's  was  Catalina — and  Lucas 
married  Margery  Reed.  We  have  found  the  own- 
er!" 

"  O,  belay  your  imagination !  It  would  be 
just  my  luck.  It  wouldn't  be  the  first  time  my 
pot  has  been  bottom  up,  when  it  rained  porridge,  " 
growled  the  captain,  and  he  looked  disgusted. 

"What  is  this  great  piece  of  sheepskin,  cover- 
ed by  ponderous  waxen  seals,  stamped  in  numer- 
ous places,  and  bearing  a  red,  black  and  golden 
coat  of  arms — two  lions,  two  castles  and  a  crown  ?" 


THE    SEA    LETTER  259 

The  captain  scrutinized  the  manuscript  care- 
fully and  answered,  "  It  is  a  royal  grant  of  three 
thousand  acres  of  land  upon  the  river  St.  John  the 
Baptist,  in  the  Island  of  Florida,  America,  by 
Charles  V.,  King  of  Spain,  to  Lucas  Vasquez  de 
Ayllon,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  forever,  for  long  and 
faithful  services  rendered  the  Crown  and  the 
Kingdom." 

"Glorious!  Ayllon  told  us  his  name  was 
Lucas,  and  he  informed  me  confidentially  that  he 
was  Duke  of  Balearica.  What  is  the  date  of 
the  grant?" 

"It  is  May  3 1 st,  1525." 

"Then  the  property  has  been  in  the  family 
continuously,  and  this  is  the  oldest  title  in  the 
United  States." 

"Exactly!  and  the  Ayllon  title  is  good,  be- 
cause, notwithstanding  the  various  owners  of 
Florida  in  the  turbulent  times  ending  with  the  war 
of  1812-15,  Spain  held  peaceful  and  undisputed 
possession  of  that  country,  when  she  ceded  it  to 
the  United  States,  in  1819." 

"There  can  be  no  doubt  about  it,  because  Juan 
would  not  have  taken  the  trouble  to  execute  a  deed 
for  property  that  he  did  not  own." 

The  men  looked  over  the  royal  document 
awhile,  then  at  each  other  and  smiled. 

"Here  is  a  memoradum  of  the  bags  and  con- 
tents, a  descriptive  list  of  the  jewelry,  the  names 
of  the  papers  enclosed,  and  this  large  envelope, 


260  THE    SEA    LETTER 

marked,  'Important ;'  shall  we  break  the  seal?" 
said  the  captain. 

"Why  not?  Since  we  have  burglarized  the 
house,  we  may  as  well  open  a  closet." 

The  captain  broke  the  seal  and  tore  open  the 
envelope.  It  contained  two  papers:  one  was  the 
last  will  and  testament  of  Juan  Ayllon,  short  and 
simple,  bequeathing  all  his  property,  real,  personal 
and  mixed,  to  Margaret  Reed  Ayllon.  It  was 
dated  and  executed  at  the  same  time  as  the  before 
mentioned  deed  to  her.  The  other  was  a  list  and 
description  of  his  assets,  including  the  chest  and 
one  half  interest  in  the  schooner  Cisneros,  with  an 
appended  explanation  of  matters  both  important 
and  mysterious.  Passing  over  the  enumeration, 
he  had  written : 

"I  hope  to  retain  possession  of  the  money, 
jewelry  and  other  property  contained  in  this  chest, 
which  are  the  accumulation  of  years  of  toil  and 
danger,  that  I  may  spend  my  old  age  in  peace  and 
comfort  upon  the  plantation.  The  advent  of  this 
unjust  war  with  its  uncertainties,  made  it  neces- 
sary I  should  keep  the  chest  on  board  the  schooner, 
or  deposit  it  in  some  place  remote  from  home. 
The  Cisneros  narrowly  escaped  capture  off  Edisto 
Inlet,  the  last  time  we  ran  the  blockade,  and,  the 
next  voyage  I  made  north,  I  took  the  advice  of  one 
of  my  crew,  who  had  been  a  smuggler  of  Cuban 
products  into  New  England,  and  deposited  the 
treasure  chest  in  a  cellar,  from  which  a  subterran- 


THE    SEA    LETTER  261 

can  passage  led  to  the  shore.  Here  it  remained 
safely,  while  we  ran  the  blockade  several  times, 
taking  in  provisions,  clothing,  ammunition,  &c., 
and  bringing  away  cotton,  turpentine  and  resin. 
Disguised  as  a  fisherman,  we  went  into  and  out  of 
Vineyard  Haven  many  times  unmolested ;  but  our 
quiet  exclusiveness,  and  our  ignorance  of  the 
Georges  and  Grand  Banks  unwittingly  revealed  to 
visitors  and  islanders,  excited  curiosity  and  sus- 
picion, and  we  took  our  treasure  on  board  one 
stormy  night  and  sailed  away  to  the  coast  of  Maine. 
We  were  caught  on  a  lee  shore  off  two  islands  and 
thought  we  were  lost;  but,  when  we  were  expect- 
ing every  moment  to  be  dashed  upon  the  rocks, 
an  opening  in  the  wall  appeared,  we  were  buried 
in  foam  and  hurled  upon  boisterous  seas  through 
without  striking.  We  almost  flew  by  a  green  is- 
land into  quiet  water,  anchored  securely  under  the 
lee  of  the  land,  and  thanked  God  for  our  miraculous 
preservation!" 

"An  angel  must  have  steered  that  craft,"  said 
Delano. 

"Yes;"  observed  the  captain,  "the  very  straits 
we  examined  between  the  two  Cranberries;  the  in- 
side island  was  Greening's,  and  the  schooner  was 
driven  up  Somes  Sound,  where  she  found  shelter 
in  the  cove  where  Orinda  lay.  They  had  no  chart 
of  the  coast,  I  suppose,  and  blundered  into  the  on- 
ly place  of  safety." 


262  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"  That  must  have  been  the  case,  Juan  did  not 
dare  venture  into  any  large  town,  where  he  could 
purchase  one.  He  did  not  mention  any  names 
of  the  place  in  the  sea  letter — only  gave  a  peculiar 
and  accurate  description  of  the  locality  to  indicate 
where  his  treasure  was  hidden." 

"  He  navigated  in  the  old  way,  by  seeing, 
sounding  and  sense.  Did  you  ever  think  how  ex- 
pert the  ancient  mariners  were,  in  finding  their 
way  safely  over  the  world  with  nothing  but  a  com- 
pass and  dipsy  (deep-sea)  lead  ? " 

"No;  I  should  be  lost  without  a  chart." 

"A  chart  isn't  much  account,  when  the  lights 
are  out  and  the  buoys  removed,  as  was  the  case  in 
the  South  during  the  civil  war.  The  leadsman  in 
the  chains,  casting  the  lead,  was  a  better  guide 
then  than  the  man  in  the  chart  room,"  said  the 
captain,  and  he  continued  to  translate  and  read 
aloud. 

"  We  remained  in  our  snug  retreat  for  several 
days  repairing  damages;  discovered  the  cavern  in 
the  ledge  upon  the  western  shore,  and  enlarged  a 
pocket  in  its  north  wall  where  I  deposited  the  chest. 
The  opening  was  closed  loosely  by  stones  and  dirt 
and  remained  unmolested,  while  we  made  several 
voyages  along  the  coast  and  to  the  West  Indies ; 
but  I  am  going  now  for  greater  security  to  cement 
the  stones  and  make  them  look  like  the  natural 
wall.  The  war  may  continue  for  years;  I  may  be 
obliged  to  leave  the  chest  hidden  until  peace  is  de- 


THE    SEA    LETTER  263 

clared,  and  my  status  as  a  citizen  is  determined  by 
the  side  that  wins.  I  may  be  lost  at  sea,  or  killed 
in  battle.  God  grant!  this  may  fall  into  honest 
hands,  if  any  accident  should  prevent  my  return. 
The  finder  will  see  that  Margery  and  my  son, 
Lucas,  receive  their  own,  according  to  my  last  will 
and  testament. 

"I  had  expected  to  record  my  deed,  and  de- 
posit my  will  with  Colonel  Buffington,  at  St.  Au- 
gustine, before  Fort  Sumter  was  fired  upon;  but 
he  had  gone  to  join  his  regiment  under  General 
Beauregard,  and  I  put  to  sea  for  fear  of  capture, 
and,  in  order,  to  land  my  cargo  from  Cuba.  Since 
then,  business  in  Florida  has  been  in  chaos,  and 
any  attempt  to  perfect  my  plans  would  have  been 
futile  and  dangerous. 

"In  case  my  affairs  fall  to  the  administration 
of  strangers,  I  desire  it  known,  that  my  men  own 
one  half  of  the  schooner  Cisneros,  share  and  share 
alike,  and  each  member  of  her  crew  has  received 
his  part  of  the  earnings  at  the  expiration  of  each 
voyage;  therefore,  they  have  no  claim  upon  this 
treasure.  May  God  protect  us  and  the  family 
heritage ! 

Capt.  JUAN  AYLLON." 


"  Witness,  JOHN  FLOYD, 
Mayport,  Fla." 


264  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"Is  there  nothing  more?"  asked  Delano  with 
trembling  voice  and  excited  manner. 

"Nothing!"  exclaimed  the  captain,  looking 
hard  at  the  papers  and  smoking  rapidly. 

They  spread  the  documents  out  upon  the 
table,  turned  them  over  and  over,  and  looked  long 
and  carefully  at  the  headings,  forms,  signatures 
and  seals.  They  had  extracted  all  the  meaning 
from  them,  and  they  bundled  them  and  returned 
them  with  the  box  and  bags  to  the  chest  and 
closed  it. 

The  captain  walked  up  and  down  the  room 
and  muttered,  "  I  thought  we  had  found  a  fortune, 
but  we  have  only  struck  a — " 

"Trust!"  added  Delano;  "we  are  the  stran- 
gers to  whom  the  administration  has  fallen — the 
'honest  hands' — and  robbers  withal.  We  deceived 
Ayllon  and  stole  the  treasure,  which  he  was  seek- 
ing under  guidance  of  the  spirits  of  his  relatives. 
But  our  interference  was  justified  by  the  circum- 
stances and  the  sea  letter,  and,  certainly,  provi- 
dential for  Ayllon  and  his  property.  Now,  we 
must  guard  these  valuables  and  deliver  them  to 
the  owner,  who  can  be  none  other  than  our  friend, 
Lucas  Ayllon." 

"It  goes  against  my  grain,  but  that's  right, 
and  there's  my  hand  on  it,"  said  the  captain,  and 
the  two  excited  men  shook  hands,  and  talked  and 
smoked  over  ways  and  means  until  near  morning. 

The  next  day,  Delano  wrote  to  Ayllon : 


THE    SEA    LETTER  265 

E ,  Mass.,  Oct.  ioth.,   18 — . 

"My  dear  Ayllon, 

"  I  have  decided  to  remain  here  awhile,  and 
we  wish  you  to  come  on,  as  soon  as  the  doctor 
can  spare  you.  This  is  a  healthy  and  delightful 
place,  and  you  will  recover  rapidly,  where  climatic 
influences  are  aided  by  our  sympathetic  and  social 
companionship. 

"We  have  very  important  news  concerning 
your  property  and  family  interests,  which  I  dare 
not  communicate  to  you  by  letter.  Until  we  greet 
you  face  to  face,  we  shall  pray  for  your  health  and 
happiness.  The  captain  joins  me  in  kind  regards 
to  you  and  the  doctor. 

Yours  truly, 

TOM  DELANO." 


CHAPTER     XX. 


Ayllon  arrived  five  days  later  by  the  evening 
boat,  poorly  clothed,  pale  and  feeble.  His  friends 
gave  him  a  hearty  welcome,  and  hurried  him  over 
the  hills  in  an  easy  surrey  to  their  home.  Mrs. 
Oliver  gave  him  a  little  bedroom  upon  the  sunny 
side  of  the  house,  having  pretty  matting,  muslin 
curtains  and  willow  furniture,  which  brightened 
his  face  immediately.  He  had  never  tasted  fish 
as  delicate  as  the  fried  sole  they  had  for  supper. 
He  smoked  his  pipe  out  upon  the  homely  piazza,  and 
rested  his  eyes  upon  the  fine  scenery  of  the  oppo- 
site shore  and  the  blue  water  of  the  sound,  with  a 
peace  and  contentment  to  which  he  had  long  been 
a  stranger.  The  balmy  breeze  from  the  Gulf 
Stream  was  in  great  contrast  to  the  frigid  atmos- 
phere of  Mt.  Desert,  and  he  said  he  believed  the 
date  of  the  almanac  was  a  month  ahead  of  the 
season. 

Delano  had  cautioned  Ayllon  to  secrecy  in  re- 
gard to  his  family  history  and  his  late  adventures, 
and,  during  walks  and  drives  about  the  island, 


THE    SEA    LETTER  267 

communicated  to  him  most  of  the  information  he 
had  acquired,  and  told  him  of  the  deeds  he  had 
performed  in  solving  the  mystery  of  the  sea  letter. 
The  more  he  confessed,  the  more  Ayllon' s  wonder 
increased  and  the  greater  his  anxiety  became  to 
know  the  source  of  his  knowledge;  but  'Delano 
kept  the  discovery  of  the  treasure  chest  secret  un- 
til he  and  the  captain  were  positively  certain  by 
laborious  examination  and  numerous  tests,  that  he 
was  Lucas,  the  son  and  heir  of  Juan  Ayllon. 

Then,  they  decided  to  make  a  full  confession 
and  to  exhibit  their  find  to  him  in  Delano's  room. 

The  three  men-  smoked  upon  the  porch  after 
supper,  and,  when  darkness  fell  and  the  air  became 
chilly,  went  into  the  front  room  where  Delano  had 
a  little  fire  and  lamps  lighted.  Ayllon  was  seated 
in  a  great  rocker  with  arms  and  cushions,  and 
they  had  conversed  awhile,  when  Delano  walked 
slowly  across  the  room  and  threw  some  yacht  flags 
off  the  chest.  Ay  lion's  eyes  followed  his  move- 
ments and  in  a  moment  he  jumped  from  his  chair 
and  cried,  "My  God!  my  father's  chest!  How 
came  this  here  ?  Where  did  you  get  it  ?  Oh !  my 
poor  father!"  and  he  crossed  the  room  and  drew 
one  hand  caressingly  over  the  rude  box,  looking 
from  Delano  to  the  captain  inquiringly  and  anx- 
iously. 

"The  captain  and  I  found  it  in  the  north  wall 
of  the  cave  where  you  were  blasting,"  said  Delano. 


268  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"And  you  stole  it  from  me!"  declared  Ayllon 
angrily. 

"We  did  what  your  father  requested,"  replied 
Delano.  "Here  is  his  last  communication  with 
the  world,  his  dying  message  from  the  sea,  which 
we  had  for  our  instruction  and  authority,"  and  he 
spread  out  the  original,  water-stained,  crumpled 
paper  with  its  Spanish  writing  upon  the  table. 

Ayllon  looked  with  amazement  at  the  paper 
and  exclaimed,  "It is  my  father's  writing!"  Then 
he  read  it  with  much  trouble  and  agitation,  and 
tears  rolled  down  his  cheeks,  as  he  turned  to  his 
companions  and  said,  "Forgive  me,  gentlemen; 
I  am  not  responsible  to-day." 

Both  men  assured  him  of  their  forgiveness, 
and  Delano  explained  how  he  and  the  captain  had 
studied  the  chart,  hired  and  sailed  the  yacht, 
found  the  locality,  and  secured  the  chest,  regard- 
less of  his  claims,  which  they  had  considered  more 
the  whims  of  a  madman,  than  spiritually  author- 
ized. He  drew  forth  the  bundle  of  papers,  spread 
them  out  upon  the  table,  and  invited  Ayllon' s  ex- 
amination. With  shaking  hands,  alternately  pale 
and  flushed  face,  and  agitated  manner,  Ayllon 
looked  over  the  documents  and  translated  them  to 
his  hearers,  making  comments  and  exclamations, 
and  asking  numerous  questions.  He  read  his 
father's  record  of  his  movements  twice  over,  as  if 
he  thought  this  of  more  importance  than  all  the 
other  papers,  and  folded  it  with  a  deep  sigh. 


THE    SEA    LETTER  269 

"Alas!  too  late!"  he  muttered,  as  he  finished 
reading  the  deed  and  the  will.  His  thoughts  were 
with  his  dead  wife  and  children.  "What  might 
have  been,  had  these  papers  been  put  upon  record 
immediately  after  execution?"  he  asked  gloomily. 

He  took  up  the  memorandum  of  contents  of 
the  chest,  listless  and  indifferent  to  its  importance, 
and  asked  if  the  jewelry  and  money  were  in  the 
chest.  Delano  threw  the  cover  back  and  exposed 
the  box  and  two  bags.  Ayllon  passed  his  hand 
carelessly  over  the  bags  and  asked,  "Has  the 
money  been  counted?" 

"Yes;  and  it  agrees  with  the  statement  to  a 
dollar,"  replied  Delano. 

"Good!"  said  he,  and  he  emptied  the  con- 
tents of  the  cigar  box  upon  the  table,  and  unwrap- 
ped and  examined  every  precious  stone  and  piece 
of  jewelry.  "I  have  seen  a  few  of  these  ornaments 
worn  by  my  mother  and  Margery.  This  bracelet 
resembles  one  my  child  wore  when  she  was  lost — 
a  gift  to  Margery  when  we  were  married — an  heir- 
loom that  has  been  in  our  family  several  hundred 
years.  Our  ladies  would  not  wear  jewels  in  the 
wilderness,  and  they  were  given  in  father's  care 
for  safety." 

"A  friend  of  mine  has  a  bracelet  very  similar 
to  this  one,"  remarked  Delano. 

"Yes?  There  are  many  bracelets  made  to 
resemble  a  serpent." 


270  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"But  few  of  such  fine  enamelling  and  work- 
manship." 

"Probably  Moorish — labor  and  life  are  held 
cheaply  in  Europe." 

"They  are  lessening  in  value  here,"  added 
the  captain,  who  had  taken  a  position  to  watch  the 
old  man's  expressions  critically. 

Ayllon  wrapped  the  articles  in  the  silk,  placed 
them  in  the  box,  and  pushed  it  from  him. 

"What  are  your  wishes,  Senor?"  asked  De- 
lano. 

"I  have  none." 

"  But  these  papers,  this  jewelry,  this  golden 
hoard,  belong  to  you.  The  captain  and  I  are  fully 
convinced  of  your  identity  and  heirship  to  this 
chest  and  all  its  contents.  Is  it  not  so,  Captain?" 

"There's  no  use  backing  and  filling  about 
this  matter.  We  heard  the  opinion  from  the  other 
world  in  your  cabin,  Mister  Ayllon,  and  we've  seen 
all  the  papers  in  the  case  and  voted  you  guilty. 
This  stuff  belongs  to  you,  and  we  are  mighty 
glad  to  be  the  means  of  restoring  it  safely  to  the 
rightful  owner.  I  agree  with  you,  Mister  Delano;" 
and  the  captain  slapped  his  thigh  heavily. 

"You  are  very  generous,  gentlemen,"  re- 
plied Ayllon,  "but  you  have  been  put  to  great 
expense  and  trouble,  and  succeeded  when  I  should 
have  failed.  The  papers,  jewelry  and,  perhaps, 
one  of  the  bags,  would  permit  me  to  send  memen- 
toes to  a  few  family  friends  and  relatives  in  Spain, 


THE  SEA    LETTER  271 

and  support  me  in  comfort  the  few  years  I  have 
yet  to  endure."  A  shade  of  melancholy  passed 
over  his  fine  features  as  he  ceased  speaking,  and 
he  settled  into  his  chair  utterly  dejected. 

"Nonsense!"  exclaimed  Delano;  "we  could 
not  accept  your  princely  gift.  We  have  been  fully 
recompensed  by  our  delightful  cruise  and  strange 
experiences.  I  am  rich  enough  to  do  what  I  like, 
which  is  the  object  of  wealth  and  the  secret  of 
happiness — provided  one  seeks  wise  things — and 
it  would  be  impossible  for  me  to  take  pay  for  doing 
a  good  deed  and  rescuing  a  friend.  The  captain 
can  speak  for  himself.  Hey,  Captain?" 

"  I  suppose  I  can,"  said  the  captain  smiling, 
"but  not  with  the  glibness  of  you  landlubbers. 
Somehow  this  New  England  climate  and  going  to 
sea  make  a  man's  tongue  stiff  and  his  speech  slow, 
and  words  come  out  like  a  chain-cable  through  a 
hawsepipe,  when  you  are  given  a  little  more  scope, 
link  by  link.  I  am  not  rich,  but  this  old  house 
and  the  monthly  pay  I  receive  from  Uncle  Sam, 
as  a  retired  officer  of  the  Navy,  with  the  lobsters, 
clams  and  fish  I  get,  will  enable  me  to  pull  along 
without  troubling  other  folks.  If  we  had  any  more 
income,  we  would  likely  spoil  our  stomachs  with 
luxuries,  and  go  traveling  around  and  get  killed  in 
the  city  streets  or  on  the  railroad.  Keep  the  stuff 
and  enjoy  it,  sir;  you're  welcome  to  all  I  have 
done,"  and  the  old  sea-dog  began  to  fill  his  pipe 


272  THE    SEA    LETTER 

with  cut-plug,  which  he  said,  'Beats  cavendish  all 
hollow  for  a  comfortable  smoke!' 

"You  are  both  very  generous,  but  I  feel  un- 
der great  obligations  to  you  and  wish  to  lighten 
them  somewhat,"  said  Ayllon,  and  he  opened  the 
small  bag,  counted  out  fifty  American  eagles  upon 
the  table,  and  pushed  them  over  towards  the  cap- 
tain. "You  must  take  them,  not  as  a  reward,  but 
as  a  token  of  my  friendship.  Nay,  nay!  you  must 
gratify  me  in  this,"  said  he,  as  the  captain  contin- 
ued to  protest.  Delano  nodded  and  his  shipmate 
spread  his  broad  hand  lovingly  over  the  gold. 

Ayllon  looked  inquiringly  at  Delano,  who 
shook  his  head  decidedly  and  said,  "Not  a  dollar!" 

"  But  something — a  memento — a  keepsake 
by  which  to  remember  me,"  and  he  looked  really 
distressed. 

Delano  reflected  a  moment  and  said,  "Well, 
my  dear  sir,  if  it  will  make  you  happy,  I  will  accept 
a  piece  of  jewelry  as  a  souvenir." 

Ayllon  emptied  the  small  box  upon  the  table 
gleefully  and  said,  "Take  anything — everything — 
I  shall  be  so  gratified." 

"Thank  you  very  much — anything,  really?" 

"Certainly," — and  he  slid  the  heap  towards 
Delano,  who  pushed  it  back,  held  up  the  serpent 
bracelet  and  said,  "This?" 

"Yes,  and  others — take  more — it  is  a  trifle." 

"Thanks,  no;  I  shall  value  this  as  your  gift 
and  a  beautiful  reminder  of  our  adventure." 


THE    SEA    LETTER  273 

"You  are  modest.     May  it  be  your  mascot !" 
"Thank  you.  I  may  need  one  sometime." 
Ayllon  filled  his  purse  with  gold,  made  Delano 
accept  the  amount  of  his  loan  and  what  he  had 
paid  for  expenses  at  Somesville,  and  the  three  men 
packed  everything  except  the  papers  in  the  chest, 
nailed  the  cover  down  and  corded  it,  tacked  on  a 
card  addressed  to  Lucas  Ayllon,  Adams    Express 
Co.,  New  York,  N.  Y.,  and  said,  "Good-night." 

The  next  day,  it  went  by  express,  heavily  in- 
sured, and  they  all  felt  much  relieved.  Ayllon's 
arm  and  health  improved  rapidly.  The  captain 
took  him  upon  rowing  and  sailing  trips  upon  the 
lake  and  harbor  ;  they  had  picnics  and  clambakes 
along  shore,  and  rode  all  over  the  island.  Mrs. 
Oliver  and  Lucy  led  them  to  see  places  and  things 
the  captain  even  knew  not,  and  the  invalid  and 
young  lady  were  very  congenial,  the  former  find- 
ing in  the  sprightly,  vivacious  girl  some  solace  for 
the  loss  of  Belita.  Delano  watched  them  with  af- 
fectionate interest,  and  thought,  "How  sweet  to 
the  aged  are  the  loving  ministrations  of  a  daugh- 
ter." 

The  men  decided  in  consultation  that  the  deed 
of  Juan  to  Margery  should  be  recorded  immediate- 
ly and  the  will  deposited  in  the  Probate  Court  at 
St.  Augustine;  then,  Ayllon  should  take  out  ad- 
ministration papers,  and  appeal  to  the  Attorney 
General  of  the  United  States  for  an  annulment  of 
the  decree  and  sale  of  the  estate  on  the  St.  Johns 


274  THE    SEA    LETTER 

River.  It  would  be  easy  to  convince  the  Govern- 
ment that  the  deed  had  not  been  recorded  when 
executed,  because  of  the  sudden  closing  of  the 
office,  the  removal  of  the  archives,  and  the  chaos 
of  the  civil  war.  It  could  be  proved  Margery  was 
the  child  of  northern  parents;  the  wife  of  a 
neutral,  who  had  resided  continuously  upon  a  small 
farm  in  the  forest  during  the  contest,  and  had 
remained  as  manager  of  his  father's  confiscated 
estate  years  afterwards. 

"There  is  only  one  defect  in  our  contention," 
remarked  Ayllon,  as  they  were  discussing  the 
legal  aspect  of  his  affairs  over  their  cigars  one 
evening  in  Delano's  room. 

"And  what  is  that?"  asked  Delano. 

"  It  is  that  we  lived  on  the  plantation,  when 
the  gunboat  was  attacked  from  our  bluff." 

"  That  is  a  serious  flaw.  Is  it  not  possible  to 
disavow  the  responsibility,  and  prove  you  could 
not  prevent  the  Confederate  officer  from  locating 
his  guns  upon  the  bluff?" 

"Who  would  believe  me — I  was  there — in 
the  house — the  officers  on  both  sides  are  probably 
dead  —  I  know  the  captain  of  the  gunboat  and  the 
captain  of  the  artillery  company  are — and  the 
Government  is  very  suspicious  of  our  post  belhim 
loyalty." 

"Why  don't  you  consult  the  spirits  about  it?" 

"I  am  out  of  harmony  with  them — they  do 
not  respond  any  more." 


c- 
o. 


M    j= 
CO     T3 


Ore 
h       « 


THE    SEA    LETTER  275 

"Is  it  possible?" 

"  I  think  I  can  find  you  a  witness,  sefior," 
said  the  captain. 

"  You  ?     How  is  it  possible  ?  " 

"  You  must  forgive  me,  sir —  I  was  an  officer 
of  the  Ottawa,  when  she  destroyed  your  home  and 
the  battery." 

"What,  you?"  shouted  Ayllon,  rising  flushed 
and  angry. 

"  Yes,  it  was  my  duty  to  work  my  division  of 
guns." 

"  Forgive  me,  Captain.  It  was  the  curse  of 
war,  and  our  side  attacked  first,"  said  he  sinking 
back  into  his  chair,  and  struggling  to  suppress 
the  emotions  excited  by  the  memory  of  his  great 
losses. 

"  I  was  on  shore  and  bought  a  beef  from  you. 
Don't  you  remember  ? " 

"  Is  it  possible  you  were  the  handsome, 
young  officer,  who  bought  a  heifer  ? " 

"  Yes  ;  have  I  changed  much  ? " 

"  I  would  never  have  recognized  you.  I 
wouldn't  have  sold  her  to  you,  but  I  knew  you 
would  take  her  if  I  refused." 

"  How  much  did  I  pay  you  for  her?" 

"  Ten  dollars  —  one  gold  eagle." 

"  You  are  right,  and  it  is  fortunate  you  re- 
member. Do  you  recall  any  other  circumstances 
connected  with  the  delivery  ? " 


276  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"  Yes ;  the  critter  put  a  foot  through  the 
bottom  of  the  flat-boat  and  nearly  drowned  two 
niggers." 

"  Exactly !  Now  I  can  swear  you  gave  us 
milk  and  sold  us  beef,  and,  therefore,  helped  the 
Union  cause." 

"  I  will  not  have  it !  Giving  aid  and  comfort 
to  the  enemy  !  " 

"  But  you  did  ;  and  I  can  depose  you  said  all 
you  dared  to  prevent  the  attack  being  made  from 
your  bluff,  and  the  Confederate  captain  cursed 
you  for  being  a  traitor  —  your  negroes  told  me  so 
afterwards  —  and  I  saw  you  took  no  part  in  the 
fight,  but  were  busy  aiding  your  family  to  escape. 
You  remained  a  non-combatant  throughout  the 
war,  and  sold  oranges,  sweet  potatoes,  melons, 
eggs,  chickens  and  beef  to  our  naval  and  military 
forces." 

"  Well,  I  had  to  do  so  in  order  to  get  a  liv- 
ing." 

"  Of  course  ;  you  did  right,  and  it  is  fortunate 
in  this  emergency  that  you  did." 

"I  told  you  the  captain  was  a  'regular  sea- 
lawyer,'  Ay  lion,"  said  Delano.  "The  war  is  a 
dead  issue  of  the  long  ago ;  you  wish  to  recover 
your  plantation  ;  sentiment  must  be  suppressed  ; 
you  would  be  laughed  at  if  you  tried  to  prove  you 
were  a  Confederate,  when  all  your  actions  indicat- 
ed the  contrary." 

"Yes  but  my  sympathies — " 


THE  SEA    LETTER  277 

"  Were  on  the  wrong  side  and  contrary  to 
your  acts.  Keep  your  mouth  shut,  recover  your 
property,  and  then  discuss  secession  the  remain- 
der of  your  life  if  you  so  desire." 

Ayllon  twisted  and  turned  on  his  chair  and 
did  not  reply.  Appearances,  facts  and  logic  over- 
whelmed him. 

"  Another  point,"  continued  his  advocate ; 
"the  property  was  condemned  for  your  father's 
deeds,  when  it  really  belonged  to  your  wife,  and 
you  suffered  as  his  representative.  Your  claim 
will  be  irresistible  when  the  deed  is  proven  along 
with  the  facts  of  your  neutrality." 

"Your  young  head  is  better  than  my  old 
one,"  said  Ayllon  resignedly. 

"  We  have  all  the  documents  to  prove  your 
identity  and  heirship,  and  the  captain  will  be  a 
star  witness  to  establish  your  neutrality  and 
loyalty." 

"  Quien  sabe  ?  You  seem  to  be  a  good 
lawyer,  and  I  must  be  an  obedient  client." 

"A  principal  cannot  judge  his  own  case; 
he  is  too  much  of  an  interested  witness." 

"  You  will  come  out  on  deck,  sir,  if  you  take 
our  advice,"  added  the  captain. 


CHAPTER    XXI. 


The  steamer  took  Delano  and  Ayllon  to 
Woods  Hole  next  morning,  and  they  arrived  in 
New  York  in  the  evening.  The  chest  was  re- 
ceived the  next  day ;  a  deposit  of  all  the  gold 
made  in  Delano's  bank  to  Ayllon's  credit — though 
suspicion  was  aroused  by  its  character,  which  was 
only  allayed  by  his  companion  —  a  safe  deposit 
box  rented  and  the  jewelry  locked  therein,  and  the 
chest  sent  to  Delano's  apartments.  Delano 
showed  Ayllon  the  attractions  of  the  metropolis, 
introduced  him  to  the  Palmers,  and  had  the  doctor 
examine  and  dress  the  injured  arm.  Then  the 
old  man  took  passage  by  steamer  for  Jacksonville, 
Fla.,  where  he  arrived  safely,  went  over  to  St. 
Augustine  and  secured  a  room  overlooking  the 
fountains,  and  next  day  was  refreshed  and  ready 
for  business. 

He  put  the  deed  upon  record  immediately, 
deposited  the  will  at  court,  took  out  administration 
papers  upon  his  wife's  estate,  and  confided  his 
business  to  the  law-firm  of  Burrit  &  Buffington, 


THE     SEA     LETTER  279 

who  assured  him  he  had  an  excellent  case.  The 
following  day  he  journeyed  to  the  old  plantation ; 
made  himself  known  to  the  manager ;  visited  and 
mourned  over  the  graves  of  the  two  women,  who 
had  been  dearest  to  him  on  earth,  and  estimated 
the  value  of  land  and  improvements.  This  visit 
to  the  old  home,  where  he  had  spent  the  sweetest 
years  of  his  life,  was  sad  and  distressing ;  and, 
shaken  by  his  emotions  and  fatigued  by  travel 
and  excitement,  he  was  glad  to  accept  the  hospi- 
tality of  the  gentleman,  and  rest  a  few  days  under 
a  new  roof  near  the  spot  where  he  had  been  so 
happy.  The  plantation  was  in  an  excellent  state 
of  cultivation,  and  the  beautiful  villa  faced  the 
river  and  had  in  the  rear  barns  of  the  most  modern 
adaptability.  He  was  pleased  to  learn  the  place 
was  still  in  possession  of  the  man  for  whom  he 
had  worked  years  before,  who  had  become  rather 
tired  of  it  because  of  the  great  destruction  caused 
to  his  semi-tropical  garden  by  several  seasons  of 
severe  weather,  when  the  temperature  had  fallen 
near  zero. 

Ayllon  was  rested  and  quieted  by  the  beauty 
of  the  place,  consoled  by  the  thought  that  he 
would  soon  be  in  possession  of  the  plantation  and 
the  graves  of  his  beloved,  and  stimulated  by  hope 
of  yet  finding  his  lost  child — which  Delano  had 
aroused  anew — and  he  returned  much  improved 
in  health  and  spirits  to  his  legal  advisers  at  St. 
Augustine.  Judge  Burrit  and  he  took  train 


280  THE    SEA    LETTER 

immediately  for  Washington,  where  his  case  was 
gone  over  with  the  Attorney  General,  and  proper 
measures  instituted  to  annul  the  condemnation 
and  restore  the  plantation  to  him,  as  administrator 
and  only  surviving  heir  of  Margery.  Negotiations 
were  begun  with  Col.  Marple,  the  owner  of  the 
property,  and  he  agreed  to  sell  for  a  sum  of  money 
equal  to  what  he  had  paid  plus  the  improvements. 
There  was  no  question  raised,  nor  quibbling  heard 
after  the  papers  had  been  examined  and  Ayllon 
had  told  his  story  and  substantiated  it  by  Captain 
Oliver  and  old  neighbors  along  the  St.  Johns. 
Justice  was  not  blind,  and  the  Government 
officers  exhibited  great  interest  and  sympathy  in 
prosecuting  his  claim  to  a  finish ;  but,  after  the 
legal  decision,  an  act  of  Congress  was  necessary 
to  provide  money,  and,  as  that  august  body  was 
not  in  session,  an  arrangement  was  made  with  the 
Congressman  of  the  district  to  introduce  and 
secure  the  passage  of  a  bill,  appropriating  a  lump 
sum  for  the  relief  of  Lucas  Ayllon,  Administrator 
for  Margaret  Reed  Ayllon,  deceased,  as  recom- 
mended by  the  Department  of  Justice  of  the 
United  States. 

The  bill  was  rushed  through  in  December,  a 
decree  restoring  the  estate  was  made,  and  Ayllon 
entered  into  possession  before  New  Years.  He 
engaged  the  old  manager  immediately,  ordered 
some  alterations  in  buildings  and  grounds,  erected 
a  monument  by  the  two  graves  on  the  bluff,  and 


THE    SEA    LETTER  281 

returned  to  New  York  to  consult  with  Delano, 
who  had  been  anxious  to  see  him  for  a  month. 

After  Ay  lion's  departure  for  the  South, 
Delano  had  plunged  into  business  with  renewed 
vigor,  and  could  give  little  time  to  a  consideration 
of  events  of  the  summer  and  the  problems  they 
had  furnished  for  solution.  He  saw  Gabrielle  and 
Thompson  frequently ;  the  latter  had  become  a 
welcome  visitor  at  her  house,  and  a  student  of 
medicine  with  her  father,  who  derived  great 
pleasure  from  his  accurate  knowledge  of  recent 
scientific  developments.  Thompson  was  an  en- 
thusiast in  everything  he  undertook,  and  his  mind 
was  so  occupied  with  the  severe  studies  of  the 
medical  course,  that  he  had  little  time  for  senti- 
ment, or  philosophical  reflections  upon  his  feel- 
ings towards  Laura  and  Gabrielle.  He  was  satis- 
fied to  leave  relations  as  they  were  until  he  had 
finished  his  task,  having  Laura  secluded  in  a 
country  town  and  Gabrielle  under  his  daily  obser- 
vation. 

The  Palmers  had  rallied  Delano  upon  his 
mission  to  the  wilds  of  Maine,  and  his  acquaint- 
ance with  the  long-haired  spiritualist,  but  he  had 
borne  their  jibes  good  naturedly,  and  had  told 
them  only  enough  of  his  adventure  to  allay  their 
curiosity.  He  talked  with  Mrs.  Palmer  about  the 
Conants,  and  found  her  singularly  reticent  concern- 
ing their  early  history  and  Laura.  He  slipped 
away  from  business  one  day  in  December  and 


282  THE    SEA    LETTER 

arrived  in  Essex  in  the  evening.  The  Conants 
were  surprised  and  gratified  at  his  unexpected 
visit,  and  Laura  showed  her  pleasure  by  a  height- 
ened color  and  nervous  enthusiasm  quite  un- 
natural to  her.  She  had  become  more  fully 
developed  in  the  brief  interval  since  the  summer, 
and  Delano's  eyes  showed  such  undisguised 
admiration,  that  her  eyelids  drooped  as  she  gave 
him  her  hand.  Their  warm  hands  met  in  a 
momentary,  yet,  lingering  clasp,  and  a  strange 
thrill  of  rapture  passed  like  a  musical  wave  to 
their  brains  and  hearts  and  left  them  embarrassed. 
He  turned  quickly  away  and  said  to  Mrs.  Conant, 
"  I  expected  to  see  a  summer  girl,  but  I  find  Miss 
Laura  has  '  growed '  like  Topsy." 

"  That's  what  our  friends  tell  us,  but  really  I 
see  very  little  difference,"  replied  her  mother. 

"  I  hope  I  don't  look  like  Topsy,  Mr. 
Delano?"  said  Laura. 

'•  No,  your  hair  isn't  kinky  enough." 

"  I  reckon  I'se  not  so  black  's  she  wuz." 

"  Where  did  you  get  that  kind  of  talk  ?  " 

"  Dunno,  'spects  from  mammy." 

"  What  does  Laura  mean,  Mrs.  Conant  ?  " 
asked  Delano,  much  surprised. 

"  Some  of  her  nonsense.  She's  a  great 
mimic,  and  declares  she  will  be  an  actress." 

"  She  will  get  over  that  idea,"  said  Mr. 
Conant.  "  When  I  was  a  boy  my  highest  ambi- 
tion was  to  be  a  locomotive  engineer." 


THE    SEA    LETTER  283 

"And  mine,  to  be  a  hunter,  trapper  and 
Indian  fighter.  Kit  Carson  was  my  model,"  said 
Delano. 

"  I  should  begin  as  a  star,"  continued  Laura. 

"  Which  is  impossible,"  declared  her  mother. 

"  When  did  you  arrive  home,  Mrs.  Conant  ? " 
asked  Delano  suddenly. 

"  The  middle  of  September." 

"  Did  the  Palmers  go  to  Lenox  ?  I  forgot  to 
ask  them." 

"  No ;  they  stopped  at  Watch  Hill  until  the 
hotel  closed,  and  then  went  home  to  New  York. 
The  doctor  had  only  a  short  vacation  this  season." 

"  Indeed ;  I  am  glad  he  got  away  awhile — 
he  works  very  hard,"  and  Delano's  thoughts  went 
back  to  the  strange  stance  in  Ayllon's  cabin, 
where  a  spirit  had  written  upon  a  slate  the  where- 
abouts of  his  friends. 

Laura  played  the  piano  and  sang  awhile,  they 
talked  of  their  pleasant  experiences  at  Capawock, 
and,  later,  Mr.  Conant  took  his  guest  to  his  den 
to  smoke.  When  they  returned  to  the  drawing- 
room,  Laura  had  retired  and  Mrs.  Conant  was 
reading.  Their  conversation  soon  became  per- 
sonal, and  Delano  related  in  confidence  his  strange 
experience  during  his  yachting  cruise.  His  audi- 
tors were  amazed  that  the  facts  for  such  a  tragic 
narrative  could  be  gathered  in  the  United  States 
in  the  ninteenth  century,  and  expressed  great 
sympathy  for  the  afflicted  father  and  hopes  that  he 


284  THE    SEA    LETTER 

might  find  his  lost  child.  Then  Delano  pulled  up 
his  cuff  and  showed  them  the  bracelet,  with  the 
ruby  eyes,  coiled  around  his  wrist. 

Mrs.  Conant  smiled  and  said,  "How  careless 
of  Laura !  Did  she  leave  it  upon  the  table  or 
lend  it  to  you  ?  " 

"  Neither  ;  go  to  her  room  and  see  if  she  has 
not  her  own." 

She  went  away  and  soon  returned,  holding 
Laura's  bracelet  in  her  hand  and  looking  pale  and 
distressed.  They  compared  them  side  by  side 
and  found  them  exactly  alike,  except  that  Laura's 
was  brighter  from  constant  wear. 

"  Whose  is  that  ?  Where  did  you  get  it,  Mr. 
Delano  ?  For  Heaven's  sake  !  tell  me  quickly  !  " 
she  exclaimed. 

"  I  found  it  with  the  treasure  in  the  cave,  and 
Ayllon  insisted  that  I  should  take  it  as  a  souvenir." 

"  Was  there  any  writing  with  it  ? " 

"  None,  but  it  was  mentioned  in  the  list  of 
contents." 

"  There  was  with  ours — James,  will  you  get 
it  from  the  safe,  please  ? " 

Mr.  Conant  went  into  the  library,  brought 
back  a  piece  of  paper  and  read  aloud, 

"  I  wore  this  bracelet  for  my  love, 
And  he  has  worn  the  other. 
The  slime  of  the  serpent  is  over  me, 
And  he  has  gone  forever. 
Mother  of  God !  forgive  me,  I  pray — 


THE    SEA    LETTER  285 

Cursed  be  he  and  his  progeny  ! " 

"This  is  a  translation  of  the  original  paper, 
which  is  written  in  Spanish,"  added  Mrs.  Conant, 
very  much  agitated. 

"  Why,  Mrs.  Conant !  what  is  the  matter  ? 
Why  are  you  so  distressed  ?"  asked  Delano. 

"Oh!  you  don't  know!  You  don't  know!" 
she  cried,  rubbing  her  brow  and  wiping  her  eyes. 

"  Well,  my  dear,  I  think  you  can  afford  to 
take  Mr.  Delano  into  your  confidence,  since  he 
has  been  so  generous  with  us,"  remarked  Mr. 
Conant. 

"Would  you,  James  ?  Do  you  think  the  time 
has  come?" 

"  I  think  he  may  be  able  to  clear  up  the 
mystery." 

"Very  well,  James  ;  it  shall  be  as  you  desire. 
We  will  entrust  to  you,  Mr.  Delano,  the  secret  of 
our  daughter  ;  trusting  to  your  honor  to  keep  it 
inviolate  until  such  time  as  we  shall  release  you. 
We  have  not  always  lived  here  ;  our  early  married 
life  was  spent  in  New  York,  where  my  husband 
was  employed  in  a  dry-goods  house,  and  I  enjoyed 
all  the  educational  advantages  and  refined  pleas- 
ures of  a  great  city.  I  was  especially  interested 
in  our  church,  and  assisted  in  the  charities  and  man- 
agement of  the  Episcopal  Hospital.  We  lived  in 
a  sweet  little  flat  on  a  pleasant  street,  had  a  good 
servant  to  care  for  it,  and,  as  we  had  no  children, 


286  THE    SEA    LETTER 

I  had  abundant  leisure  to  help  the  poor  and  com- 
fort the  suffering. 

"  I  was  coming  down  the  hospital  steps  one 
morning,  when  the  ambulance  backed  up  to  the 
entrance  to  the  surgical  pavilion,  a  woman  was 
carried  in  upon  a  stretcher,  and  a  bright  faced 
child  followed  upon  the  young  surgeon's  shoulder. 
It  was  one  of  those  crushing  accidents,  a  broken 
arm  and  several  fractured  ribs,  so  common  in  the 
city  streets,  and  the  poor  creature  was  shocked 
and  unconscious.  She  disappeared  in  the  direction 
of  the  ward ;  her  child  was  given  to  the  attendant 
in  the  reception-room,  and  the  matron  notified. 
Something  unusual  in  the  appearance  of  the 
patient,  and  the  winsome  smiles  of  the  little  girl, 
impelled  me  to  return  to  the  office  to  learn  the 
nature  of  the  case.  'A  street  car  accident,'  said 
the  clerk  blandly.  I  sought  the  little  one  bereft 
so  cruelly ;  she  nestled  in  my  arms,  prattled  in  a 
southern  dialect,  and  rested  quite  contented. 

"  '  O,  here  you  are,  you  good  Samaritan  ! ' 
said  the  matron,  as  she  came  into  the  room. 
'  Dear  me  !  what  are  we  to  do  now  ?  We've  beds 
and  wards  for  all  the  ills  flesh  is  heir  to,  but  we 
haven't  a  cot  for  a  healthy  baby.' 

" '  Can't  you  let  her  have  a  corner  in  some 
private  room,  and  detail  a  nurse  to  look  after  her?' 
said  I. 

"  '  Mercy !  no  ;  we  have  extra  cots  in  every 
out-of-the-way  place  now,  and  many  of  the  nurses 


THE    SEA    LETTER  287 

are  on  double-turn  and  almost  worn  out.  Her 
mother  is  on  the  dangerous  list  and  may  die,  and, 
if  she  doesn't,  she  is  going  to  have  a  long  conva- 
lescence. We'll  have  to  send  her  to  the  Day 
Nursery  or  the  Foundling  Hospital,'  said  the 
matron. 

"  'That  would  be  too  bad ;  her  mother  will 
want  to  see  her  when  she  becomes  rational.' 

"  'Which  may  never  be.  She's  a  sweet  child 
and  clean  as  newly  laundered  linen.  Why  can't 
you  take  her  home  with  you  a  few  days,  Mrs. 
Conant  ?  Tell  Mr.  Conant  you  thought  it  time 
there  was  a  baby  in  the  house.' 

"  'James  would  think  I  was  insane.' 

"  '  No  ;  he's  a  kind  man  and  would  play  with 
her  evenings.  '  Men  like  babies  and  puppies.' 

"  '  I  am  very  doubtful  about  my  husband  lik- 
ing them.' 

" '  Well,  take  her  till  to-morrow,  anyhow,  and 
we'll  talk  it  over  again,'  said  the  matron,  and  she 
smoothed  out  her  white  apron,  gave  the  baby  a  kiss 
and  rushed  away  to  her  duties. 

"  I  could  not  bear  to  see  the  waif  abused  and 
took  her  home  with  me,  resolving  to  find  a  good 
place  for  her  among  my  friends.  I  must  say,  I 
was  agreeably  disappointed  in  James.  He  and  the 
servant  were  delighted  with  the  temporary  addi- 
tion to  the  family,  and  the  child  behaved  nicely. 
It  was  several  days  before  the  mother  was  able  to 


288  THE    SEA    LETTER 

see  any  visitor,  then  she  asked  for  her  little  girl, 
and  kept  on  crying,  '  Laura !  where  is  Laura  ? '  ' 

Delano  arose  hastily  and  walked  across  the 
room,  then  came  back  and  stood  before  Mrs. 
Conant  and  asked  in  an  excited  manner,  "  How 
old  was  the  child  ?  " 

"  About  four  years,  we  thought,"  she  replied, 
as  he  settled  into  a  chair  and  listened  intently  to 
every  word  she  uttered. 

Mrs.  Conant  continued :  "  The  House  Sur- 
geon telephoned  me  and  I  took  the  child  to  her 
mother.  The  latter  was  very  feverish  and  weak, 
and,  after  embracing  her,  let  me  hold  her  in  my 
lap  by  the  bedside.  The  head-nurse  had  explained 
that  she  had  been  taken  to  a  pleasant  home  by 
one  of  the  lady-managers  of  the  hospital,  and  the 
patient  said  she  was  very  thankful.  She  begged 
I  would  keep  her  and  bring  her  daily  that  she 
might  see  her,  and  I  consented.  I  kept  my  prom- 
ise several  days,  and  contributed  to  the  pleasure 
of  mother  and  child,  though  I  noticed  the  mother 
became  less  interested  and  weaker  each  visit.  A 
broken  rib  had  injured  the  right  lung  and  caused 
pneumonia,  and  the  doctors  looked  grave  and 
shook  their  heads,  when  I  pressed  them  for  an 
opinion.  It  was  apparent  the  mother  was  going 
to  die,  and  she  seemed  to  realize  it  herself,  for  she 
clung  to  us  one  afternoon  in  a  pathetic  way,  and 
had  the  nurse  put  the  screens  closer  around  the 
bed  and  go  away  a  while.  Then  she  pressed  my 


THE     SEA     LETTER  289 

hand  and  said,  '  You  have  been  very  good  to  my 
little  girl,  Mrs.  Conant,  and  I  thank  you  very 
much.  May  Jesus  and  the  Saintly  Mary  bless 
and  keep  you  !  I  have  been  a  great  sinner ;  I 
violated  my  vows  of  chastity ;  I  loved  a  noble- 
man's son  and  fled  from  a  convent  to  marry  him, 
but  he  deceived  and  abandoned  me  at  St. 
Augustine,  and  I  lost  him  forever.  Though  he 
gave  me  plenty  of  gold,  he  took  away  my  bracelet, 
the  pledge  of  our  betrothal,  because  it  was  an 
heirloom  ;  but  I  had  my  revenge  and  recovered  it 
at  last.  I  wish  you  to  keep  it  safely  for  my 
child  —  I  fear  I  am  slipping  away  from  earth.' 

"  She  drew  her  breath  in  an  interrupted, 
spasmodic  way,  pressed  her  hand  upon  her  side 
and  continued  :  '  My  child  is  of  noble  birth ;  her 
father  was  an  adventurer,  but  the  son  of  a  distin- 
guished family  of  Spain.  He  inherited  a  vast 
estate  in  Florida  and  squandered  it.  I  dared  not 
investigate  his  affairs;  but  his  daughter  should 
have  her  own.  If  I  should  die' — she  fingered  the 
rosary  and  cross  that  lay  upon  her  pillow  and 
closed  her  eyes  a  few  moments  and  prayed — 'I  beg 
you  to  care  for  my  child — she  has  had  a  rough 
life  with  me — I  had  given  up  my  room  in  a 
tenement  house  and  was  going  to  leave  the  city, 
when  this  accident  occurred.  I  have  all  our  clothes 
here.  Here  is  my  Savings  Bank  Book,  with  a 
check  already  signed,  to  enable  you  to  draw  the 
money  for  Laura  and  —  my  funeral  expenses.' 


290  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"  '  Don't  talk  that  way,  Mrs.  Vasquez  ;  you 
may  get  well  and  be  happy  yet,'  said  I,  laying  my 
hand  caressingly  upon  her  pinched  and  wrinkled 
face. 

" '  No,  Mrs.  Conant,  I  have  had  the  priest, 
Father  Chidwick,  and  he  has  prepared  me  for 
Heaven.  I  am  going  soon — he  says  so — and 
there'll  be  no  more  sin  and  sorrow  in  my  cup. 
Only,  dear  madam,  promise  me  you  will  take 
Laura  for  your  own,  and  make  a  better  woman  of 
her  than  I  have  been.  They  tell  me  you  haven't 
any  children.  Oh  !  promise  me,  and  I  will  bless 
you  with  my  dying  breath  ! ' 

"  What  could  I  do  but  promise,  relying  upon 
Mr.  Conant' s  kind  heart  for  acquiescence — and 
he  has  never  regretted  his  charity.  The  poor 
woman  reached  under  her  pillow  and  drew  forth  a 
velvet  jewel-case — James,  will  you  please  get  it  ? 
— and  said,  'Here  is  my  bracelet ;  keep  it  for  me 
and  let  Laura  wear  it.  It  may  be  very  important 
some  time  in  establishing  her  claim  to  family 
estates.  Don't  lose  it,  for  Heaven's  sake !  If  I 
should  recover,  you  can  return  it  to  me.' 

"This  is  it,  the  bracelet  lay  thus,  and  the 
piece  of  paper  was  under  the  velvet,  where  you 
see  it  has  started  off  a  little.  I  took  the  jewel 
to  examine  it,  when  the  patient  snatched  it  from 
my  hand,  covered  it  with  kisses  and  wept  over  it. 
The  child  patted  her  cheek,  and  said,  'Poor 
Mamma  !  don't  cry,  mamma.' 


THE   SEA    LETTER  291 

"  '  My  darling  ! '  she  sobbed,  as  she  embraced 
Laura  and  kissed  her. 

"  She  handed  me  the  bracelet  with  a  deep 
sigh  and  despairing,  lingering  look,  and  covered 
her  eyes  with  her  handkerchief  and  wept.  I 
cried  too,  while  I  cautioned  her  to  control  her 
emotions  for  fear  she  would  make  her  disease 
worse. 

"  '  Nothing  can  make  me  any  worse  now,'  she 
said  dejectedly. 

"  'While  there  is  life  there  is  hope  ;  you  will 
be  better  to-morrow,'  I  said  cheerfully,  trying  to 
awaken  a  hope  which  I  was  far  from  feeling  my- 
self. 

"  '  To-morrow  ? — the  father  will  tell  you  what 
arrangements  we  have  made.' 

"  '  Well,  I  will  talk  with  him,  Mrs.  Vasquez. 
Has  Laura  been  baptised  ? ' 

"  '  O,  yes,  long  ago.' 

"  '  And  her  baptismal  name  is  Laura ? ' 

"  '  You  will  find  it  inside  the  bracelet.  Touch 
a  little  spring  and  scales  of  the  serpent  will  open 
and  reveal  it  engraved  within.'  " 

"  Indeed  !  extraordinary  !  and  you  found  it 
was ?"  asked  Delano,  excitedly. 

"No,  we  did  not  find  it — we  could  not  see 
any  spring,  and  we  did  not  investigate  farther, 
believing  it  to  be  a  delusion  of  the  mother's 
brain." 


292  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"About  as  truthful  as  some  of  her  other 
statements  ?  "  remarked  Delano  sarcastically. 

"  What  do  you  mean,  Mr.  Delano  ?  " 

"  I  mean  she  lied  about  being  the  mother  of 
the  child  —  and  — ." 

"  How  terrible  to  suppose  such  a  thing  !  " 

"Well — excuse  me — and  the  name  of  the 
lover — husband — the  father  of  Laura — did  she 
tell  you  that  ? "  demanded  he  eagerly. 

"  No  ;  she  did  not ;  she  was  too  ill  to  catechise. 
She  strained  Laura  to  her  breast  and  kissed  her 
over  and  over  again,  then  threw  one  arm  around 
my  neck  and  said,  'A  Dios,  Senora !  may  the 
Mother  of  God  bless  you!' 

" '  Good  afternoon,  Mrs.  Vasquez ;  I  shall 
see  you  early  to-morrow/  said  I,  and  bent  down 
and  kissed  her  cheek.  She  gave  me  a  quick 
glance  of  affection  and  gratitude,  closed  her  eyes, 
and  we  withdrew  quietly  beyond  the  screen." 

Mrs.  Conant  was  overcome  by  her  emotions 
and  sobbed  behind  her  handkerchief.  Mr.  Conant 
placed  his  arm  around  her  shoulders  and  kissed 
her  forehead,  and  Delano  turned  his  back  and 
scrutinized  the  bracelets  carefully  without  im- 
mediate result. 

Mr.  Conant  continued  his  wife's  story : 
"  The  next  morning  we  received  a  telephone 
message  that  Mrs.  Vasquez  had  died  during  the 
night,  a  post  mortem  would  be  held  in  the  after- 
noon, and  the  body  must  be  removed  early  the 


THE    SEA    LETTER  293 

next  morning.  Such  are  the  brutal  statements 
sent  out  to  friends — as  if  the  poor  woman  had  not 
been  maimed  enough.  I  called  upon  Father 
Chidwick,  learned  the  woman  had  given  him  some 
money  for  his  expenses  of  burial  and  a  mass  at  the 
cathedral,  and  got  him  to  secure  a  lot  in  conse- 
crated ground. 

"We  buried  her  with  flowers  and  tears  and 
beautiful  service  in  the  cemetery  by  the  river,  and 
I  had  a  simple  marble  cross  erected  later,  bearing 
this  inscription, 

'  Eloisa  Vasquez, 

Born  in  Havana,  Cuba,   1840. 

Died  in  New  York,  N.  Y.,   1884. 

'  Only  to  thy    cross  I  cling  ! ' 

"  We  gave  all  the  clothes  to  the  hospital 
authorities,  drew  the  money  from  the  bank  and  re- 
invested it  for  Laura,  and  adopted  her  as  our  own 
child.  Blessed  be  the  day  she  came  to  us  !  She 
has  been  the  light,  the  life  and  the  joy  of  our 
home." 

"  You  may  well  say  that,  James,"  said  Mrs. 
Conant ;  "  I  have  kept  my  promise  to  her  dying 
mother.  I  love  her  as  I  would  my  own  child. 
She  is  our  darling  and  no  one  shall  take  her  from 
us." 

"  No  child  could  be  nearer  and  dearer  to  us," 
added  Mr.  Conant.  "Now  that  we  are  getting 


294  THE    SEA   LETTER 

along  in  years,  we  feel  considerable  anxiety  for  her 
future.  I  hope  before  we  go,  she  may  be  happily 
married,  and  come  into  possession  of  any  property 
to  which  she  may  be  entitled  from  her  family. 
But  that  investment  that  I  made  for  her  years  ago 
turned  out  uncommonly  well,  and  she'll  have  a  dot 
of  five  figures,  which  is  more  than  many  men  are 
worth.  I  agree  with  my  wife  in  everything  except 
the  foreign  prospects.  She  will  have  enough 
without  a  tainted  title,"  and  he  rubbed  his  hands 
together  palm  to  palm,  as  if  they  were  itching. 

"  She  might  find  a  title  and  a  coat-of-arms," 
said  madam. 

"  With  a  bar  sinister,"  said  her  husband. 

"  Perhaps,  royal  blood.  Now  wouldn't  you 
like  it,  dear,  if  she  were  a  princess  ? " 

Mr.  Conant  smiled  and  said,  "To  shorten 
the  story,  Delano,  we  came  to  this  beautiful  town, 
in  1887,  have  done  some  business  and  had  a  pleas- 
ant home.  Laura's  early  experience  has  mingled 
with  the  dreams  of  childhood ;  her  own  mother 
has  faded  and  become  personified  in  her  foster- 
mother,  and  she  recognizes  me  as  her  father,  as 
she  probably  seldom  saw  him.  She  is  in  happy 
ignorance  of  our  secret,  as  are  all  our  associates 
and  town's  people,  and  the  few  persons  in  New 
York,  who  once  knew  it,  have  forgotten,  moved 
away  or  died.  Except  our  cousins,  the  Palmers, 
however ;  they  share  the  burden  with  us  and  are 


THE    SEA    LETTER  295 

pledged  to  secrecy.  All  was  serene  and  lovely, 
and  you  pounced  down  upon  us  with  a  strange 
story  and  a  bracelet." 

"  It  is  true,  Mr.  Conant ;  I  hope  I  shall  not 
be  a  marplot,  but  duty  is  often  contrary  to  one's 
inclinations,"  replied  Delano. 

"  Take  care  that  your  duty  does  not  destroy 
our  happiness." 

"  God  forbid  !  "  said  he,  fervently,  looking  up- 
wards, "but  there  seems  to  be  a  mystery  about 
these  bracelets  which  we  ought  to  unfold.  If  we 
find  the  results  threatening,  we  can  suppress 
them.  Laura  Conant  was  once  Laura  Vasquez, 
and  before  that,  perhaps,  somebody  else  of  a 
great  family  name  hidden  within  the  bracelet. 
Let  me  think ;  my  mind  is  like  a  shuttlecock, 
flying  from  one  idea  to  another,  and  these  crowd 
upon  my  consciousness  so  fast  they  confuse  and 
hinder  logical  conclusion." 

He  walked  up  and  down  the  drawing-room, 
while  his  friends  watched  him,  curious  and  anxious. 
He  stopped  suddenly  before  them  and  said,  tap- 
ping his  left  palm  with  the  index  finger  of  his 
right  hand,  as  he  presented  each  fact :  "  Here  are 
two  bracelets  exactly  alike,  made  apparently  by 
the  same  hands ;  one  is  in  the  possession  of  a 
young  lady  through  inheritance  ;  the  other,  in  that 
of  a — privateersman — to  give  him  the  best  char- 
acter. This  paper  "-—taking  the  slip  from  the 
velvet  case — "says,  'I  wore  this  bracelet  for  my 


296  THE    SEA    LETTER 

love,'  that  is,  this  one  left  to  Laura,  which  her 
mother  said,  'was  an  heirloom  that  had  been 
taken  away  from  her  by  her  lover,  but  recovered 
at  last  when  she  had  taken  her  revenge.'  She 
valued  it  highly,  as  a  pledge  of  affection,  a  pos- 
sible evidence  of  a  right  to  property,  and  the 
repository  of  his  name.  She  felt  her  degrada- 
tion bitterly — 'the  slime  of  the  serpent' — 'cursed 
be  he  and  his  progeny' — 'and  he  has  gone  for- 
ever'—  but  she  was  ignorant  of  his  fate.  Long 
watching  for  his  coming  had  ended  in  disappoint- 
ment and  despair,  and  she  realized  death  was  near. 
Then  a  flood  of  memory  and  affection  swept  over 
her  and  filled  her  heart  with  tenderness  and  for- 
giveness, and  hope  added  its  blessed  balm  to  her 
euthanasia.  She  forgave  all  for  love  and  Laura, 
and  believed  Father  Chidwick  and  Heaven  would 
restore  the  lost  and  render  the  future  blessed. 

"  My  bracelet  was  found  with  the  treasure  of 
Juan  Ayllon.  The  note  says,  'And  he  has  worn 
the  other.'  Laura's  mother  described  him  very 
well.  He  was  an  adventurer,  a  son  of  a  noble 
family  in  Spain,  and  had  a  landed  estate  in 
Florida.  He  visited  St.  Augustine  and  the  West ' 
Indies  frequently  in  his  schooner,  and  was,  prob- 
ably, drowned  at  sea  the  day  the  sea  letter  was 
written.  I  think  he  was  the  fugitive  lover,  who 
left  Eloisa  well  provided  with  money,  and  gave 
her  bracelet  to  Margery  when  she  was  married. 
He  did  not  intend  to  abandon  the  woman — he 


THE     SEA     LETTER  297 

could  not  marry  her  until  after  the  war.  He  pre- 
ferred to  restore  the  bracelet  to  the  family,  and 
expected  to  return  to  St.  Augustine,  but  the  war 
prevented  and  his  death  followed.  Margaret  must 
have  let  her  child  wear  the  bracelet,  and  Mrs. 
Vasquez  stole  it  from — no — How  old  was  Mrs. 
Vasquez  ? " 

"  Forty-four  when  she  died,  but  she  looked 
much  older,"  replied  Mrs0  Conant. 

"  You  said  Laura  was  about  four  years,  and 
that  was  in  1884." 

"  Yes,  late  in  the  season,  in  December." 

"  Captain  Ayllon  and  his  crew  were  never 
heard  from  after  the  summer  of  1865,  until  we 
found  his  sea  message  in  the  bottle  upon  the 
South  Beach  of  Capawock.  A  child  of  his  son, 
Lucas,  named  Laura,  was  lost — disappeared — 
from  her  home  in  St.  Augustine,  in  the  spring  of 
1884.  I  believe  this  woman  stole  Laura  and  the 
bracelet  together ;  revenged  her  wrongs  upon  her 
betrayer's  son ;  grew  to  love  the  innocent  child, 
and,  relenting  partially,  sought  to  arrange  affairs 
so  that  she  should  regain  her  rights  by  represent- 
ing her  to  be  the  daughter  of  Juan  Ayllon." 

The  pale,  agitated  listeners  arose  from  their 
chairs  and  stood  before  Delano  dazed  and  dumb, 
as  he  finished  his  peroration,  "Laura  Conant,  your 
adopted  daughter,  is  the  lost  child  of  Lucas  and 
Margery  Ayllon,  of  St.  Augustine." 


298  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"  Oh  !  is  it  possible  ?  The  treachery  of  that 
woman  !  She  had  her  revenge  !  Against  an  inno- 
cent child,  too  !  My  poor  dear,  Laura  !"  cried  Mrs. 
Conant,  as  tears  flooded  her  face  and  she  sank  in- 
to a  chair. 

"  Thank  God  for  his  goodness !  Laura,  our 
darling,  was  born  in  wedlock  of  respectable 
parents,"  said  Mr.  Conant  gravely  and  gratefully. 
"  My  dear  Delano,  you  are  a  wonder.  You  have 
the  detective  perceptions  of  a  Pinkerton,  and  the 
analytical  acumen  of  a  Byrnes.  Don't  cry  Marion; 
we  ought  to  be  joyful  over  the  solution  of  the 
great  mystery,  which  has  puzzled  and  worried  us 
so  many  years." 

"  Oh  !  Mr.  Delano,  are  you  quite  sure  ?  Can 
there  be  any  mistake?"  demanded  Mrs.  Conant 
anxiously. 

"  There  are  a  few  missing  links,  but  the  evi- 
dence and  probabilities  are  all  upon  our  side,  Mrs. 
Conant,"  he  answered  ;  "I  think  there  can  be  no 
mistake." 

"  I  declare,  Delano,  you  ought  to  have  been 
a  lawyer,"  said  Mr.  Conant  with  emphasis. 

"  O,  no  ;  I  have  only  used  common  sense  — 
and  here  is  confirmation — one  of  the  missing 
links ! "  he  shouted,  as  he  held  up  one  of  the 
bracelets,  which  he  had  been  fingering  and  scru- 
tinizing. He  had  found  a  spring  beneath  a  scale, 
which  threw  back  longitudinal  rows  of  the  ser- 
pent's scales,  and  exposed  a  plain  interior  surface 


THE    SEA    LETTER  299 

upon  which  was  engraved,  "Lucas  Vasquez  d' 
Ayllon,  Madrid,  Spain."  It  was  the  one  Laura 
had  worn.  He  seized  the  other  one  eagerly, 
which  opened  in  the  same  manner,  and  contained 
the  same  inscription.  "  Thank  Heaven  !  we  don't 
need  anything  more  to  establish  the  relationship 
between  Laura  and  her  grandfather,  the  father  of 
Lucas  Ayllon,  hereditary  Duke  of  Balearica,"  said 
Delano  decidedly,  sitting  down  by  the  table. 
They  looked  at  the  two  bracelets  for  some  minutes 
in  silence. 

"  Where  is  Ayllon  now  ? "  asked  Mr.  Conant. 

"  He  is  on  the  way  north,  and  I  have  been 
expecting  him  every  train.  I  must  break  this 
news  to  him  gently,  as  joy  might  kill  him." 

"What  will  we  say  to  Laura?"  asked  Mrs. 
Conant  anxiously. 

"  Better,  nothing,  Marion.  Let  her  meet  her 
father  as  a  stranger,"  advised  Mr.  Conant. 

"  A  capital  idea,  Mr.  Conant,  and  I  think  I 
will  keep  her  father  in  ignorance  too  and  watch 
the  denouement.  You  can  all  come  over  to  New 
York,  and  we  will  get  up  a  dinner-party  and  bring 
them  together,"  said  Delano. 

"  Good !  I  will  get  Mrs.  Palmer  to  give  the 
dinner  all  right,"  added  Mrs.  Conant. 

"  Here  is  Laura's  bracelet — I  must  go  back 
by  early  train  to-morrow,  so  I  will  say  Good- 
night ! "  and  he  tore  himself  away  from  his 
friends,  who  followed  him  to  the  door,  begging 


300  THE    SEA    LETTER 

him  to  remain  with  them.  Delano  was  surprised 
and  pleased  the  next  morning  to  meet  Laura,  with 
Mr.  Conant,  at  the  7  o'clock  train,  looking  as 
beautiful  and  bright  as  the  morning,  and  their 
greetings  and  farewells  filled  his  mind  with  projects 
and  fancies  all  the  way  to  the  metropolis. 

He  found  a  letter  upon  his  desk  from  Cap- 
tain Oliver,  which  astonished  and  delighted  him. 
It  was  as  follows  : 

"E ,  Jan.  15,  1 8 — . 

"  Dear  Mr.  Delano,— 

"  Eureka !  I  have  found  the  robber's  den. 
I  was  up  in  the  attic  storing  away  some  things, 
when  I  noticed  a  loose  board  near  the  chimney. 
I  took  it  up  and  was  surprised  at  the  absence  of 
laths  and  plaster  beneath — only  a  black  hole.  I 
removed  other  boards,  and  uncovered  between  the 
timbers  a  great  chasm  four  feet  wide,  eight  feet 
long  and  of  unknown  depth. 

"  I  lowered  a  lantern  down  until  it  rested  up- 
on the  ground  below  the  base  of  the  chimney,  and 
saw  a  tackle,  suspended  from  an  attic  floor-joist, 
extending  to  the  bottom,  having"  a  boatswain's 
chair  at  the  lower  block.  It  was  an  easy  task  to 
hoist  one's  self  up  to  the  garret  and  to  lower 
down  again,  as  I  experienced  myself. 

"  The  cell  below  was  surrounded  by  the 
bricks  of  half  the  chimney,  and  a  small  door  in 
the  south  wall  was  closed  by  a  plank  door,  with 


THE    SEA    LETTER  301 

hinges  and  bolts.  When  I  opened  it,  a  gust  of 
cold,  musty  air  blew  out  my  lantern  ;  but  an  old 
smoker  is  rarely  without  matches,  and  I  soon  re- 
lighted it.  The  door  opened  into  an  underground 
passage,  which  led  about  sou'sou'west  and  ended 
in  the  side-hill  towards  Waquataqua,  where  I  saw 
the  boat  land  during  the  storm.  How  did  I  de- 
termine that  ?  I  would  not  crawl  through  myself, 
nor  let  any  neighbors  try  it.  I  put  my  dog  in  the 
passage  below,  shut  the  door,  and  went  and 
whistled  at  the  shore  end.  Brownie  came  out  so 
scared  and  glad  he  nearly  ate  me  up.  That 
settled  it.  I  went  in  a  short  distance  each  end  and 
became  satisfied  a  man  could  go  through,  and 
there  wasn't  anything  supernatural  about  it. 

"  I  found  a  piece  of  rubber  coat  in  the  crack 
of  the  door,  and  some  crumpled  paper  and  cigar 
stumps  upon  the  floor  of  the  den.  An  envelope 
was  addressed  to  Captain  Juan  Ayllon,  Habana, 
Cuba,  and  some  scraps  of  paper,  covered  with  a 
woman's  handwriting,  indicated  a  quarrel.  I  read, 
'you  villian' — 'keep  your  gold' — 'give  me  back 
my  bracelet' — 'I  will  not  go  to  Habana' — 
'  Beware  !  the  serpent  has  fangs ' — '  I  will  be  re- 
venged ! '  All  I  could  decipher  of  a  signature  was 
'Elo .'  I  have  kept  the  pieces  to  show  you. 

"  I  think  now  the  men  I  saw  were  not  spooks, 
but  part  of  Ayllon' s  fighting  crew,  and  their  armor 
consisted  of  rubber  hats,  coats  and  boots,  wet  and 
shining  in  the  lightning.  They  had  learned  of 


302  THE    SEA    LETTER 

this  secret  passage  and  room,  built  probably  for 
escape  from  the  Indians,  and  had  utilized  it  to 
hide  the  treasure-chest  until  circumstances  forced 
them  to  change  their  rendezvous  to  the  obscure 
sound  upon  the  Maine  coast.  They  were  armed 
enemies,  nevertheless,  engaged  in  the  Confed- 
rate  cause,  and,  if  I  had  only  known  it,  there 
would  have  been  more  than  one  gun  against  them. 
How  lucky  I  was  home  on  sick-leave  at  the  time. 
How  strange  that  our  discoveries  upon  the  cruise 
should  enable  us  to  clear  up  the  mystery  here ! 
I  have  fastened  the  door  of  the  den  on  the  inside, 
and  no  longer  fear  spirits  or  demons. 

"I  am  glad  to  learn  from  your  letter,  which 
should  have  been  answered  long  ago,  that  Ayllon 
has  recovered  his  health  and  is  likely  to  regain 
possession  of  his  wife's  estate.  Come  over  and 
see  us  and  get  a  smell  of  salt  water — the  ducks 
are  flying  thick  upon  the  lakes.  Alice  and  Lucy 
join  me  in  regards  to  you. 

"Yours  truly, 

"  GEORGE  OLIVER." 


"  By  Jove !  the  captain  has  solved  the  prob- 
lem and  supplied  more  evidence  to  confirm  my 
suspicions,"  muttered  Delano.  "  There  is  no 
longer  any  doubt  about  Mrs.  Vasquez  being  the 
abandoned  woman,  who  revenged  her  wrongs  from 


THE    SEA     LETTER  303 

Juan  by  kidnapping  his  son's  child  and  regaining 
the  bracelet.  The  captain  is  on  deck !  He  has 
cleared  his  mind  of  all  its  forebodings  and  super- 
stitions, and  learned  there  are  other  ways  of 
entering  a  house  than  by  the  doors  and  windows." 


CHAPTER   XXII. 


Lucas  Ayllon  arrived  in  New  York  in  Jan- 
uary in  perfect  healthy,  looking  twenty  years 
younger  than  when  he  went  south.  Delano  intro- 
duced him  at  his  club,  made  him  acquainted  with 
several  families,  dined  with  him  at  Palmer's  and 
took  him  to  the  opera  and  theatres,  while  waiting 
for  the  coming  of  the  Conants.  When  they  ar- 
rived, he  consulted  with  them  and  the  Palmers. 
It  was  decided  to  give  a  dinner  and  evening  recep- 
tion to  our  summer  girls  and  their  bachelor  friends, 
and  to  present  Ayllon  as  a  distinguished  visitor 
from  Florida. 

The  Madison  Avenue  house  was  admirably 
adapted  for  the  purpose.  Its  lower  rooms  and 
halls  were  beautifully  decorated  with  smilax, 
lilies,  and  pink  and  crimson  roses  by  an  artistic 
florist,  and  the  dining-table  was  set  with  that 
ornate  display  of  flowers,  mirrors,  cut-glass,  silver 
and  china  characteristic  of  refined  taste, 

The  ladies  presented  themselves  early  by 
special  request,  and  Gabrielle  and  Laura  conduct- 
ed them  to  their  rooms  ;  conversed  with  them  on 


THE    SEA    LETTER  305 

the  events  of  the  summer,  their  doings  since  their 
separation  and  their  future  plans ;  divested  the 
visit  of  formality  and  punctilious  etiquette,  and  made 
them  feel  very  comfortable  and  happy.  The  gent- 
lemen arrived  later  and  were  taken  in  charge  by 
Thompson  and  Delano,  who  introduced  them  to 
Dr.  Palmer  and  Ayllon,  and  they  had  a  few  games 
of  pool  while  waiting  for  the  ladies.  These  did 
not  present  themselves  in  the  drawing-room  until 
nearly  time  for  dinner.  They  came  in  a  rainbow 
of  colored  silks,  satins  and  chiffon ;  greeted  Dr. 
Palmer  and  Mr.  Ayllon ;  met  their  summer 
friends  with  enthusiasm,  and  soon  engaged  in 
animated  conversation.  When  they  went  to  dinner, 
the  same  couples  formed  as  in  coaching  days. 
Delano  was  perplexed  a  moment,  but  when  he 
saw  Thompson  hastening  to  Gabrielle's  side,  he 
offered  his  arm  gladly  to  Laura,  and  they  all 
proceeded  to  the  places  indicated.  Ayllon  sat  at 
Dr.  Palmer's  right,  next  to  Mrs.  Conant  and  her 
husband ;  Laura  was  at  the  doctor's  left  with 
Delano  next  to  her.  Mrs.  Palmer  had  Thompson 
at  her  right  with  Gabrielle,  and  Helen  at  the  left 
with  Wilson,  and  the  other  couples  were  arranged 
upon  the  sides  according  to  their  wishes. 

"  It  affords  me  great  pleasure  to  welcome  our 
summer  girls  of  Capawock  and  their  gentlemen 
friends  to  New  York,  though  I  understand  you  re- 
present only  a  small  coterie  of  the  innumerable 
host  that  throngs  its  picturesque  shoresduring  the 


306  THE    SEA    LETTER 

summer,"  said  the  host.  "After  some  study  of  its 
location  and  sanitary  advantages,  I  have  recom- 
mended the  island  to  my  patients  and  friends." 

"  We  thank  you  for  your  hospitable  welcome 
and  favorable  opinion  of  our  resort,  and  are  sorry 
you  did  not  honor  us  with  your  presence  last 
season,"  replied  Delano. 

"  I  could  not  leave  my  practice  until  late,  and 
spent  but  two  weeks  at  Watch  Hill.  Mrs.  Palmer 
preferred  to  remain  there  with  me,  rather  than  go 
to  Lenox  alone." 

A  shade  passed  over  Delano's  face — he  re- 
called again  the  slate  and  the  spiritual  messages. 
The  medium  and  slate  had  been  instruments  of  a 
force  in  nature,  which  annihilated  time  and  dis- 
tance, was  independent  of  known  scientific 
methods  of  communication,  and  required  spiritual 
attributes  for  its  manifestation.  Was  that  force 
a  spirit,  the  soul,  existing  after  its  earthly  habit- 
ation had  been  destroyed  ?  Could  it  in  angelic 
form  pervade  space,  know  everything,  and  influ- 
ence souls  yet  in  the  bondage  of  flesh  ?  Delano 
thought  and  staggered  upon  the  border  land  of 
mysteries. 

Ayllon  was  watching  him,  thinking  of  the 
spiritual  stance,  the  little  cabin  and  Belita.  He 
looked  along  the  table  at  the  sweet,  intelligent 
faces  of  the  ladies  and  at  Laura,  as  if  contrasting 
her  beauty  with  that  of  her  companions,  and  sighed 
at  the  thought  of  his  terrible  bereavements. 


THE   SEA    LETTER  307 

Thompson  and  Gabrielle  were  discussing  the 
similarity  of  development  in  fishes  and  birds,  as 
they  ate  roast  chicken,  unmindful  of  sarcastic 
criticism  from  Mrs.  Palmer,  who  finally  devoted 
her  attention  to  Helen  and  Wilson  upon  the  other 
side  of  the  table,  talked  of  every  day  troubles  with 
cooks  and  dressmakers,  and  listened  to  Wilson's 
explanation  of  wonderful  electrical  discoveries. 
The  others  related  their  experience  since  the 
summer,  and  planned  future  reunions,  and  the 
vivacity,  excitement  and  happiness  of  the  younger 
set  was  very  pleasing  to  the  Palmers. 

Laura  chatted  with  her  mother  across  the 
table  more  than  she  did  with  Delano.  It  was 
satisfaction  to  have  him  near  her,  and  she  showed 
her  appreciation  by  talking  with  her  eyes — a 
way  rather  disturbing  to  a  bachelor.  She  con- 
versed with  the  doctor  and  Ayllon  and  was  self- 
possessed  and  witty.  The  latter  asked  her,  if  she 
had  ever  been  south,  and  said  she  reminded  him 
of  someone  he  had  met  somewhere.  She  replied, 
she  had  been  somewhere,  but  not  in  the  south,  and 
smiled  at  him  archly. 

Dessert  and  coffee  were  finished,  t  he  gen- 
tlemen retired  to  the  smoking-room  awhile,  and 
the  young  people  played  a  few  games  of  pool, 
while  the  elder  ones  watched  them.  Then  they 
had  some  singing  and  piano  music  in  the  parlor 
and  danced  a  little,  and  Ayllon  forgot  his  grief 
and  showed  his  thorough  enjoyment  of  the  func- 


308  THE    SEA    LETTER 

tion.  When  each  person  had  communicated  the 
thoughts  that  were  crowding  for  expression  ;  the 
music  had  ceased  from  exhaustion  of  individual 
repertories,  and  the  guests  had  arranged  them- 
selves by  couples  about  the  open  grate  at  the 
side  of  the  room,  the  doctor  addressing  Delano 
said : 

"  The  mutual  confessions  of  our  summer 
girls  and  their  friends  have  given  nothing  out 
of  the  ordinary ;  you  alone,  Mr.  Delano,  have  been 
singularly  reticent,  and  I  voice  the  wishes  of  all  in 
asking  you  to  describe  your  yachting  experience 
and  explain  your  mysterious  conduct  after  your 
departed  from  Capawock." 

This  formal  invitation,  previously  arranged  by 
Delano  and  the  two  families,  attracted  the  immediate 
attention  of  the  young  people,  who  had  been  cur- 
ious to  have  an  explanation  of  his  movements  and 
a  knowledge  of  gold  hunting,  which  they  had  read 
about  in  the  newspapers,  and  they  seconded  the 
doctor's  request  by  much  applause  and  numerous 
appeals. 

Delano  was  sitting  at  one  end  of  the  semi- 
circle and  could  look  into  the  faces  of  his  hearers, 
who  fixed  their  eyes  upon  him  with  eager  expect- 
ation. 

"You  quite  embarrass  me,  Doctor,"  said  he; 
"in  asking  me  to  make  a  speech  before  such  a  dis- 
tinguished assembly.  I  ask  forgiveness  of  you, 
whom  I  left  so  unceremoniously  at  Capawock,  and 


THE    SEA    LETTER  309 

I  believe  you  will  pardon  my  action,  when  you  learn 
the  reasons  for  my  haste  and  secrecy. 

"You  all  remember  the  bottle  and  the  piece 
of  paper  within  it,  which  Miss  Laura  and  I  found 
upon  the  South  Beach  the  night  of  our  tally-ho  ex- 
cursion. In  addition  to  what  I  read  you  and  gave 
to  the  press,  another  part  directed  the  finder  to  go 
to  the  coast  of  Maine — but  here,  read  this  copy" 
— and  he  paused  until  all  had  read  the  translation 
which  he  gave  them,  asked  many  questions,  and 
expressed  their  surprise. 

"Captain  Oliver  and  I,"  continued  he,  "char- 
tered a  small  yacht,  shipped  two  men,  found  the 
sound,  discovered  the  cave,  removed  a  treasure- 
chest,  rescued  Mr.  Ayllon  after  the  destruction  of 
his  cabin,  buried  his  daughter,  Belita,  restored 
treasures  and  legal  papers  to  the  owner,  and  I  am 
trying  to  find  a  child,  now  a  young  lady,  who  was 
stolen  from  her  home  in  St.  Augustine,  in  1884." 

His  auditors  seemed  spell-bound  and,  despair- 
ing of  getting  an  understanding  of  the  affair  from 
the  condensed  report,  begged  him  to  fill  out  and 
dress  his  skeleton  story,  which  he  did  in  detail  and 
much  to  their  satisfaction. 

"  Every  wrong  has  been  righted  as  far  as  pos- 
sible except  one,"  said  he;  " the  restoration  of  the 
daughter.  I  think  I  possess  evidence  to  accom- 
plish that,  but  a  few  links  are  missing,  which  we 
must  try  and  supply." 


310  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"What  a  glorious  romance  that  would  make!" 
cried  Vic. 

The  elderly  people  received  the  narration 
with  calmness;  the  young,  with  suppressed  ex- 
citement and  intense  interest.  Delano  answered 
numerous  questions,  gave  more  complete  explana- 
tions, and  appealed  frequently  to  Ayllon  for  facts 
and  confirmation.  The  girls  closed  around  the 
two  men  and  would  have  hugged  them,  as  they  ex- 
pressed their  feelings  and  admiration  over  their 
heroic  conduct. 

"What  links  are  missing,  Tom?"  asked 
Gabrielle  eagerly. 

"The  recognition  of  each  other  by  the  father 
and  child.  There  are  childhood  memories,  which 
may  be  awakened.  You  can  consider  ways  and 
means,  while  I  confer  with  Mr.  Ayllon." 

The  two  men  withdrew  into  an  alcove  and 
Delano  submitted  a  piece  of  lace  to  Ayllon's  in- 
spection, which  was  the  only  article  except  the 
bracelet  that  Mrs.  Conant  had  preserved.  He 
thought  he  recognized  it,  as  a  pattern  of  Honiton 
that  he  had  seen  in  the  trimming  of  one  of  Mar- 
gery's dresses.  Delano  informed  him  of  his  belief, 
that  his  daughter  had  been  found  and  was  present 
in  the  drawing-room,  and  cautioned  him  not  to  be- 
tray any  emotion  until  he  had  submitted  her  to 
some  tests,  the  result  of  which  would  confirm  or 
contradict  his  evidence. 


THE    SEA    LETTER  311 

It  was  decided  Ayllon  should  tell  that  part  of 
his  story,  which  embraced  plantation  life  in  the 
woods  and  a  description  of  his  home  in  St.  Augus- 
tine, while  persons  in  the  secret  should  observe 
the  effect  upon  Laura.  Then  they  returned  to  the 
charming  circle  and  submitted  to  many  questions, 
and  Delano  began  to  ask  Ayllon  concerning  his 
Florida  home.  He  replied  and  continued  in  a  nar- 
rative of  such  interest,  that  every  one  of  the  young- 
er set  hung  upon  his  words  with  parted  lips  and 
catchy  respiration.  He  described  the  hunting 
cabin  in  the  woods,  the  river  plantation,  the  wo- 
men and  children,  the  negroes,  horses,  cattle  and 
dogs,  and  used  negro  dialect  and  Spanish  freely. 
Laura  leaned  forward  in  her  chair,  her  face  flushed, 
her  eyes  like  stars,  and  her  breathing  quick  and 
gasping.  When  he  described  his  daughter  and 
her  play  among  the  flowers,  butterflies,  birds  and 
domestic  animals,  and  mentioned  the  names  of 
Belita  and  Margery,  her  face  became  radiant  and 
she  half  rose  to  her  feet,  but  sank  back  again, 
looking  and  listening  as  before. 

"I  had  a  dream  just  like  that  a  long  time  ago," 
she  whispered  to  Gabrielle  without  taking  her 
eyes  from  Ayllon' s  face. 

He  told  of  their  happy  home  in  St.  Augus- 
tine, baby  Belita  and  her  mammy,  the  fright  and 
despair  when  Laura  disappeared  and  Margery's 
death,  and  sobbed  behind  his  handkerchief,  while 


312  THE    SEA    LETTER 

half  the  assembly  wept  with  him,  as  he  murmured, 
"Poor  little  Laura!  Poor  Margery!" 

Laura  arose,  went  over  and  kissed  her  mother, 
and  sat  down  by  her  side  holding  her  hand,  while 
the  latter  put  her  arm  lovingly  around  her  and 
restrained  her  emotions  with  difficulty. 

"  Vene  a  papa.  querida\"  said  Ayllonin  ca- 
ressing tones. 

"Padre  miol"  answered  Laura,  as  she  arose 
and  made  a  step  towards  Ayllon,  her  arms  out- 
stretched and  her  face  showing  pleasurable  excite- 
ment. Then,  recalled  t  o  a  realization  of  her  sur- 
roundings, she  knelt  by  her  mother's  side  and 
cried,  "  Mamma,  where  am  I  ?  What  is  this  stran- 
ger saying  ?  Why  is  my  head  so  confused  ?  I  seem 
to  be  far  away  in  a  strange  land  one  moment  and 
back  with  you  the  next.  Do  I  dream,  or  did  I  once 
see  the  home  in  the  woods  described  by  Mr. 
Ayllon  ?  I  remember  a  great  forest,  dark  roads, 
a  shining  river,  a  log  house,  cattle  running 
through  tall  grass,  and  little  and  big  negroes 
singing  and  shouting.  Then  a  fine  house  like  this 
and  you  and  a  baby  in  a  beautiful  city,  with  streets 
full  of  white  people,  negroes  and  carriages.  Did 
we  always  live  in  Essex,  mamma  ?  Essex  and  New 
York?  It  seems  to  me  I  had  lots  of  mammas.  A 
bad  mamma  took  me  away  in  a  ship  and  I  was 
dreadful  ill ;  we  lived  in  another  city  and  my  good 
mamma  came  and  took  me  home  with  her,  and 


THE    SEA    LETTER  313 

you  have  always  been  my  good  mother.  But  where 
is  the  baby,  mamma,  where  is Belita?" 

The  friends  gathered  about  Laura  and  her 
mother  and  listened  with  almost  breathless  atten- 
tion to  the  words  that  fell  from  the  lips  of  the 
beautiful  girl,  as  the  early  impressions  upon  her 
tender  brain  found  expression  in  a  broken  story  of 
her  child  life. 

When  she  first  uttered  the  Spanish  words  for, 
"My  dear  father,"  and  started  towards  him,  con- 
viction came  swift  and  strong  to  those,  who  knew 
the  history  of  the  Ayllons,  that  she  was  the  lost 
child,  and  Ayllon  started  towards  her  with  joyful 
mien ;  but  Delano  grasped  his  arm  firmly  and 
said,  "Not  yet,  Ayllon!"  and  he  suppressed  his 
feelings  and  remained  quietly  observant.  When, 
groping  in  the  recesses  of  her  mind  for  vague  im- 
pressions, she  had  seized  and  hesitatingly  uttered 
the  name,  Belita,  there  was  no  longer  doubt  that 
the  lost  had  been  found,  and  Laura  was  the 
daughter  of  Lucas  Ayllon. 

Then  Ayllon  rushed  towards  her  and  would 
have  embraced  her,  saying,  "Querida!  mi  hija 
amada!"  but  she  looked  at  him  and  then  at  Mr. 
Conant  with  astonishment  and  dismay  depicted  up- 
on her  countenance,  and,  turning  towards  her 
mother,  said,  "Mamma,  dear,  what  does  he  mean? 
Am  I  going  crazy?"  and  hid  her  face  in  her  moth- 
er's dress,  sobbing. 


3M  THE    SEA    LETTER 

Mrs.  Conant  stroked  her  hair  gently  and  ans- 
wered, "  No,  my  dear ;  it  is  the  unfolding  of  a  great 
mystery,  which  has  distressed  us  many  years." 

"What  is  it  mamma?  You  never  told  me. 
Oh  !  do  explain,  or  I  shall  become  wild  with  appre- 
hension!" 

"You  have  heard  Mr.  Ayllon's  story  of 
his  southern  home  and  his  lost  daughter.  I 
found  a  bright  little  girl  in  a  New  York 
hospital,  with  a  woman,  who  claimed  to  be  her 
mother.  The  woman  died  and  I  adopted  the 
child  as  my  own.  She  gave  me  a  bracelet,  which 
she  said  belonged  to  the  child  and  might  be  im- 
portant sometime  in  establishing  a  right  to  pro- 
perty. There  was  a  note  in  its  velvet  case,  which 
said  there  was  another  bracelet  like  it.  They  were 
heirlooms  of  a  distinguished  family.  You  were 
the  child,  my  dear  Laura,  and  you  have  worn  the 
bracelet  constantly.  The  other  one  has  been  found 
by  Mr.  Delano  in  a  chest  of  valuables  belonging  to 
Mr.  Ayllon's  father,  Juan,  who  was  lost  at  sea. 
They  are  mates,  exactly  alike,  and  both  bear  this 
inscription  within,  "Lucas  Vasquez  de  Ayllon, 
Madrid,  Spain."  Your  true  name,  my  dear,  is 
Laura  Conant  de  Ayllon." 

Laura  was  weeping  in  her  mother's  arms. 
"Then  you  and  papa  do  not  belong  to  me — I  will 
never  give  you  up ! "  she  sobbed,  raising  her  tear- 
stained  face  aud  looking  affectionately  at  her  fost- 


THE   SEA    LETTER  315 

er-mother  and  father  and  timidly  at  Mr.  Ayllon 
and  her  friends. 

"No,  darling,  you  will  never  be  obliged  to 
give  us  up,"  said  Mrs.  Conant  with  a  choking 
voice. 

'•  You  will  always  be  our  precious  daughter," 
said  Mr.  Conant,  as  two  tears  struggled  over  the 
lids  and  rolled  down  his  cheeks. 

"  Miss  Laura,  I  have  been  the  means  of  your 
distress,  and  I  desire  to  make  everything  clear  to 
all,"  said  Delano,  stepping  forward.  "  The  sea 
message  told  the  truth;  Juan  Ayllon,  your  grand- 
father, was  lost  at  sea.  The  schooner  Cisneros 
and  her  crew  have  not  been  heard  from  since  1865. 
His  treasure  chest  was  found  by  following  his  di- 
rections. The  owner,  Lucas,  gave  me  the  other 
bracelet,  as  a  memento  of  my  adventure  upon  the 
coast  of  Maine.  He  little  thought  it  would  aid  us 
in  finding  his  daughter.  Your  bracelet  with  the 
family  name,  your  memories  of  childhood,  your 
understanding  of  the  Spanish  words  spoken  by  Mr. 
Ayllon,  your  response  in  the  same  language,  the 
recollection  of  your  baby  sister,  your  resemblance 
to  your  mother  Margery  and  much  other  evidence 
we  have  accumulated,  are  conclusive  proofs  that 
you  are  the  child  of  Lucas  and  Margery  Ayllon. 
You  were  kidnapped  by  Mrs.  Vasquez  in  her  re- 
venge upon  Juan  Ayllon,  who  could  not  return  to 
her  because  he  was  dead.  You  belong  to  a  noble 
family  and  are  heiress  to  a  great  estate.  You  have 


316  THE    SEA    LETTER 

not  lost  your  foster-parents,  but  have  found  your 
own  father,  who  stands,  trembling  and  anxious, 
awaiting  recognition  by  his  darling  daughter 
whom  he  has  hunted  up  and  down  the  world  for 
many  years." 

Laura  brushed  the  tears  from  her  face,  quick- 
ly looked  at  her  foster-parents,  who  smiled  and 
nodded  assent,  and  ran  to  Mr.  Ayllon  and  put  hei 
arms  about  his  neck,  and  he  pressed  her  to  his 
heart  and  kissed  her  repeatedly,  saying  tenderly, 
"Querida!  mi  hi/a  amada!",  and  Laura  ans- 
wered, "  Padre  mio  /"  And  the  onlookers  cried 
and  laughed  alternately  and  were  greatly  affected. 

After  an  interval  of  silence  too  sacred  for 
words,  the  company  crowded  around  the  delighted 
father  and  daughter  and  congratulated  them  up- 
on the  happy  reunion  and  denotement. 

The  bracelet  was  passed  from  hand  to  hand 
and  critically  examined,  while  the  young  folks 
kept  up  an  animated  conversation  and  comment 
upon  the  series  of  events  invested  with  such 
dramatic  interest. 

"It  is  a  singular  evolution  in  the  affair," 
remarked  the  doctor,  "that  the  granddaughter 
should  find  the  sea  letter  from  her  grandfather  up- 
on the  seashore,  which  enabled  Mr.  Delano  to 
determine  her  parentage,  find  her  father,  and  re- 
store the  family  treasures  and  estate." 

"Delano  and  the  captain  certainly  manifested 
much  cleverness  in  following  the  obscure  direc- 


THE     SEA     LETTER  317 

tions  of  the  message,  and  snatching  the  treasure 
chest  from  the  spirits  and  their  colleagues,"  de- 
clared Thompson. 

Laura  was  standing  by  her  new  father  with 
his  arm  around  her  and  her  foster-mother  by  her 
side.  Her  tears  and  gloom  had  vanished,  and  her 
face  shone  like  the  sun  after  a  summer  shower. 
Her  joyous  disposition  had  swept  away  all  distress- 
ing thoughts,  and,  assured  that  she  had  not  lost, 
but  gained  by  the  wonderful  change  in  her  affairs, 
she  talked  and  laughed  with  her  friends  as  of  yore. 

"I  always  thought  Laura  had  an  aristocratic 
nose,  and  now  that  she  claims  direct  descent  from 
the  Spanish  nobility,  I  am  open  to  congratulations 
for  my  superior  perception,"  remarked  Vic,  as 
she  drew  back  her  chin  and  smiled  complacently. 

"  Since  we  never  had  a  hint  of  your  opinion 
previous  to  the  presentation  of  the  remarkable 
evidence,  I  think  your  post  hoc  demands  are,  to  say 
the  least,  rather  presumptuous,"  declared  Atkins, 
with  mock  solemnity. 

"Star  gazing  seems  to  have  developed  your 
linguistic  abilities,"  commented  Helen.  "It  is  a 
wonder  you  and  Vic  did  not  consult  signs  of  the 
Zodiac  and  cast  Laura's  horoscope  in  order  to 
foretell  her  delightful  fortune." 

"  I  judge  they  were  too  intent  in  forecasting 
their  own,"  suggested  Wilson. 

"  Mr.  Delano  has  informed  us  of  your  miss- 
ion to  the  South,  Senor  Ayllon,"  said  Mac.  "May 


318  THE    SEA    LETTER 

I  ask,  if  affairs  there  proved  satisfactory  ?  " 

"  Entirely  beyond  my  expectations,  profes- 
sor," replied  he.  "The  papers  received  from  the 
chest  enabled  me  through  my  lawyers  to  recover 
the  estate,  which  my  father  had  deeded  to  my 
wife,  and  as  administrator  for  her,  I  shall  soon 
deliver  the  jewels,  money  and  plantation  to  my 
darling  daughter." 

"  No,  padre  mio,  I  will  not  accept  them  and 
impoverish  you,"  said  Laura.  "You  can  keep 
them  and  we  will  enjoy  them  together." 

"  Ah  !  querida  !  the  law  must  be  complied 
with  to  legalize  the  title,  but  I  am  willing  to  co- 
operate with  your  other  father,  Mr.  Conant,  in 
managing  your  property  for  our  mutual  enjoy- 
ment." 

"Thank  you  for  your  consideration,  Sefior," 
said  Mr.  Conant ;  "  there  will  be  about  $  1 0,000, 
the  accumulations  of  the  early  investment,  to  add 
to  Laura's  estate." 

"You  are  a  dear,  good  papa,"  said  Laura, 
"  but  since  I  am  not  your  own  daughter,  I  would 
prefer  you  should  keep  it  to  partly  recompense 
you  for  my  education." 

"  Tut !  tut  !  my  child,  your  affection  and 
companionship  have  made  us  your  debtor." 

Laura  put  her  arms  around  his  neck  and 
kissed  him,  and  exclaimed,  "Then  we  will  not 
differ,  but  all  be  rich  together." 

"  It  shall  be  as  you  wish,  dearest." 


THE    SEA    LETTER  319 

"  O,  cherie,  won't  it  be  jolly  ?  "  cried  Flossie. 
"  You  can  send  us  orange-blossoms  from  your  own 
garden,  when  we  get  married." 

•'  Certainly,  but  I  shall  make  one  condition." 

"  Well,  don't  make  it  too  severe,  because  you 
know  we  are  not  all  noble  heiresses." 

"  O,  stuff !  don't  call  names.  My  condition 
will  be,  if  papa  takes  me  to  Florida  to  live,  that 
you  shall  come  and  pick  the  blossoms  yourselves, 
and  spend  your  honeymoon  upon  the  plantation." 

"  Wouldn't  that  be  glorious  ?  "  exclaimed 
May. 

"  Yes  but  rather  awkward,"  said  Sanders ; 
"  you  see,  that  would  necessitate  a  double  journey 
to  Florida,  and  we  impecunious  folks,  who  never 
had  any  foster-fathers  that  understood  the  stock 
market,  nor  Confederate  blockade-running  grand- 
fathers, couldn't  spare  the  cash." 

This  caused  everyone  to  laugh  and  Gabrielle 
intervened  and  said,  "  My  dear  foster-cousin,  a 
compromise  would  make  us  all,  happy ;  our  summer 
girls  must  be  married  among  their  kindred  and 
friends  at  home,  and  I  would  suggest  you  gather 
the  blossoms  and  express  them  to  the  brides-to-be, 
with  an  invitation  to  visit  you  immediately  after 
the  wedding." 

"  That's  the  Tansy !  I  long  to  see  the 
Sunny-South,  where  baked  'possum  and  sweet 
potatos  are  indigenous,  and  sugar  cane  keeps 
the  darkies  fat,"  exclaimed  Sanders. 


320  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"  What  a  manager  you  are,  Gabrielle  !  What 
shall  I  do  without  you  ?  It  shall  be  as  you  say," 
said  Laura.  "  I  will  try  to  insure  the  happiness 
of  all  and  not  permit  a  single  summer  girl  to 
escape." 

"  I  think,  ladies  and  gentlemen,  we  have  had 
enough  excitement  and  emotion  for  a  festive 
occasion,  and  propose  we  proceed  to  the  billiard- 
room  and  make  merry  the  remainder  of  the 
evening,"  said  the  doctor,  leading  the  way. 

Laura  sought  her  mother  and  kissed  her,  and 
they  all  went  into  the  capacious  room  and  played 
pool  and  forgot  for  awhile  the  sadness  and  sorrows 
of  humanity.  At  ten  o'clock,  bread  and  butter 
and  delicious  tea  were  served  in  the  English 
fashion  in  the  drawing-room,  and  the  guests 
scattered  in  couples  and  groups  and  conversed 
till  midnight.  Delano  sat  by  Gabrielle  and  Mrs. 
Palmer  expressed  regret  that  he  had  not  been 
able  to  see  much  of  them  because  of  his  business, 
and  referred  incidentally  to  the  Captain's  letter. 

"Why,  we  haven't  heard  anything  about 
that,"  said  Gabrielle. 

"  Is  it  possible  I  forgot  to  mention  it  ? " 

"  Indeed  !  you  did.     How  is  the  Captain  ? " 

"  Very  well.  I  must  inform  the  company," 
said  he ;  and  he  held  up  his  hand  requesting  atten- 
tion and  read  the  letter,  which  all  perceived 
supplied  some  important  missing  links.  Conver- 
sation became  more  animated  after  the  interrup- 


THE    SEA    LETTER  321 

tion,  and  Gabrielle  said,  "A  hiding  place  in  a 
chimney — how  strange  !  How  I  should  like  to 
see  the  inside  of  the  old  house.  The  dear  little 
dog  !  More  courageous  than  his  master.  Brownie 
is  a  pretty  name." 

"  This  assembly  reminds  me  of  the  ark," 
said  Mrs.  Palmer,  with  a  little  laugh. 

"  How  so  madam  ?  "  asked  Delano. 

"  Nearly  everyone  in  the  company  is  paired," 
she  replied. 

He  blushed  like  a  school-girl  and  Gabrielle 
turned  away  her  face  to  hide  her  self-conscious- 
ness. 

Trying  to  appear  unconcerned,  he  remarked, 
"  My  friends  call  a  bachelor,  'a  lucky  dog,'  and  a 
benedict,  'a  happy  fellow.'  Which  do  you  think 
describes  the  conditions  the  better  ?  " 

"  I  cannot  tell ;  there  are  men  happy  and 
men  miserable  in  each  state.  Men  are  prone  to 
discontent." 

"  Yes ;  their  energy  drives  them  to  destruc- 
tion. I  am  trying  to  school  myself  to  laziness." 

"  You  were  not  very  indolent  in  prosecuting 
the  Ayllon  affair." 

"  That  gratified  my  love  for  adventure.  I  am 
tired  of  intellectual  activity — the  necessity  for 
constant  attention  and  strain.  I  would  live  in  a 
wilderness,  where  modern  progress  had  never 
penetrated  and  printed  matter  was  unknown." 


322  THE    SEA    LETTER 

"  Are  you  becoming  misanthropic  ?  Tennyson 
says, 

'  Better  fifty  years  of  Europe, 
Than  a  cycle  of  Cathay.' " 

"  I  would  prefer  Cathay  in  order  to  check 
molecular  changes  in  my  brain-cells  and  the 
activity  resulting  therefrom.  I  feel  like  the  sea- 
sick young  lady  on  an  ocean  steamer,  who,  when 
asked  in  sympathy  by  the  captain,  what  he  could 
do  for  her,  replied,  'Just  stop  the  thud  of  the 
screw  and  the  motion  of  the  ship  for  an  hour  or 
two.' " 

"  But  you  would  not  abandon  science,  litera- 
ture, languages — all  pursuit  of  knowledge  ?  " 

"  I  have  no  sympathy  with  the  higher  educa- 
tion, I  will  no  longer  respond  to  the  whip  of 
educators.  The  printing  press  is  driving  us  mad. 
The  bubble,  reputation,  bursts  as  you  grasp  it ;  the 
applause  of  the  multitude  is  mingled  with  envy 
and  malice;  'the  path  of  glory  leads  but  to  the 
grave,'  and  man  dies  like  an  over-driven  horse  on 
the  race-course." 

"O,  you  are  pessimistic  to-night — was  the  tea 
drawn  to  your  taste?" 

Delano  smiled  at  Mrs.  Palmer's  materialism. 

Gabrielle  was  listening  with  strange  atten- 
tion. 

"You  would  prefer  less  intellectual  life?" 

"Life   is  too  short  and  precious  to  bury  in 


THE   SEA    LETTER  323 

books.     I  prefer  nature  to  art,  and  empiricism  to 
transcendentalism." 

"How  different  your  ideas  are  from  Mr. 
Thompson's,"  said  Gabrielle.  "His  ambition  for 
knowledge  is  boundless;  his  motto  is,  'per  aspera 
ad  astral  He  says, 

'Through  straits  the  great  and  grand  we  reach; 
Through  study  touch  the  stars'." 

"He  is  phlegmatic  and  can  stand  the  racket; 
I  cannot  and  will  not.  I  feel  as  you  did  last  sum- 
mer about  your  athletics.  There  is  too  much  to  do 
and  too  little  time.  I  would  rather  be  a  private 
soldier  than  a  captain ;  a  peasant,  than  a  prince ! " 
and  this  brave  young  man  yawned  almost  in  the 
face  of  the  one  woman  he  thought  perfection. 

Gabrielle  looked  at  him  with  astonishment  and 
disappointment,  then  asked,  "Is  there  not  a  happy 
mean?" 

"No;  society  does  not  recognize  one — you 
are  either  in  or  out." 

"You  do  not  seem  well  tonight." 

"  I  am  very,  very  tired." 

He  arose  and  went  over  by  Mrs.  Conant,  and 
was  soon  in  lively  conversation. 

"I  fear  Mr.  Delano  is  going  to  be  ill,"  said 
Mrs.  Palmer.  "He  doesn't  like  work  any  more 
than  the  Indian,  whom  the  missionary  told,  '  If  he 
would  become  a  Christian,  get  an  education,  work 


324  THE    SEA    LETTER 

hard  and  accumulate  money,  he  could  sit  down  and 
take  life  easy.  'Me  do  that  now,  and  me  no  work' 
replied  the  red  man." 

Gabrielle  looked  after  Delano  a  moment  with 
a  clouded  brow,  and  replied,  "  He  is  greatly  chang- 
ed since  he  left  us  last  summer." 

"  Do  you  think  there  is  anything  between  him 
and  Laura?"  asked  the  mother. 

"  Laura  says  not ;  she  said  to  me  yesterday, 
'  No,  Gabrielle,  no  one  ever  proposed  to  me.' " 

"  Well,  when  a  man  is  moody  as  he  is  tonight, 
he  is  either  sick  or  in  love." 

Thompson  had  been  busy  conversing  with  the 
doctor  and  Ayllon,  and  he  cast  anxious  glances  at 
the  trio,  during  the  discussion  of  modern  condi- 
tions. When  Delano  left  his  gracious  hostess  and 
her  daughter,  Thompson  immediately  crossed  the 
room,  settled  into  an  easy  chair  and  said  cheer- 
fully, as  he  smiled  pleasantly,  "  How  delightful  it 
is  to  rest  in  one  of  these  cushioned  chairs  after  the 
daily  task  is  finished.  I  take  pleasure  in  my  work, 
'but  all  work  and  no  play  makes  Jack  a  dull  boy.' 
I  think,  Miss  Palmer,  you  have  the  most  restful 
house  on  the  avenue." 

"Really?  Papa  and  mamma  are  very  expert 
in  selecting  comfortable  furnishings." 

"And  their  daughter  assists  with  exquisite 
taste." 

"O,  no;  they  do  not  need  me."  Thus  she  dis- 
avowed responsiblity,  although  she  was  secretly 


THE    SEA    LETTER  325 

pleased  at  the  compliment.  "  How  is  the  church 
fair  advancing?" 

"Admirably;  I  had  donations  to-day  of  a  doz- 
en j umping-jacks  and  a  pile  of  picture  books." 

"The  committee  will  be  very  grateful,"  said 
Gabrielle,  who  was  chairman,  looking  greatly 
pleased.  Sympathetic  appreciation  and  propin- 
quity were  producing  the  usual  results. 

It  was  late,  many  were  fatigued  by  their 
journeys,  and  the  gentlemen  took  leave,  with  grate- 
ful expressions  for  the  reunion. 

"Don't  get  lost  again,  darling,"  said  Ayllon, 
as  he  kissed  Laura,  good-night. 

"  No  indeed!  I  will  not,  dear  father,"  was  the 
reply. 

The  ladies  remained  with  their  hostess  and 
there  was  little  sleep  in  their  suite  of  rooms  until 
near  morning.  They  were  given  teas  and  dinners; 
taken  upon  rides  and  to  the  theatres,  and  spent 
considerable  time  in  shopping,  sometimes  accom- 
panied by  their  gentlemen  allies  and  sometimes 
not,  and  all  the  out-of-town  friends  had  left  the 
great  metropolis  behind  them  at  the  end  of  a 
week.  Senor  Ayllon  accepted  an  invitation  from 
the  Conants  and  went  home  with  them  and  Laura, 
and  the  business  and  professional  men  resumed 
their  neglected  duties. 


CHAPTER    XXIII. 


The  winter  was  over,  and,  with  the  first  sun- 
ny days  of  May,  there  was  a  shower  of  wedding  in- 
vitations in  the  silver  card-basket,  which  was 
very  pleasing  to  Gabrielle  and  her  mother.  The 
weddings  were  all  to  be  in  month  of  June,  no  two 
upon  the  same  day,  and  the  notices  announced  the 
approaching  marriage  of  Miss  Victoria  White  Mc- 
Donald and  Mr.  Mortimer  Atkins,  Miss  Helen 
Prescott  Purdy  and  Mr.  Herbert  Wilson,  Miss 
May  Elizabeth  Henderson  and  Mr.  Benjamin 
Franklin  Sanders,  Miss  Florence  Hastings  and 
Mr.  Robert  Stewart  McFarlane,  Miss  Margaret 
Dale  and  Theodore  Chase  Kenelm,  M.  D.,  and  a 
number  of  their  city  friends. 

The  winter  had  been  extremely  gay.  The 
great  Charity  Bazar,  in  aid  of  the  new  church  in 
Manila,  had  been  very  successful,  and  Gabrielle, 
assisted  by  Thompson,  had  been  unceasing  in  her 
efforts  and  won  the  admiration  and  praise  of  the 
community.  The  opera  season  was  rich  in  music 
and  gorgeous  in  its  fashionable  audiences,  and  Dr. 


THE     SEA     LETTER  327 

Palmer's  box  contained  a  golden-haired  beauty  and 
a  fastidious  knight,  who  attended  her  with  exquis- 
ite- grace  and  gallantry.  The  brilliant  ball  given 
by  the  22d.  Regiment  N.  Y.  N.  G.  was  another 
great  event  of  the  season,  where  silk  and  satin 
mingled  harmoniously  with  the  gold-trimmed  uni- 
forms of  its  brave  men,  and  Captain  Thompson 
and  Miss  Palmer  attracted  much  favorable  atten- 
tion by  their  graceful  dancing  and  proud  demeanor. 

At  evening  receptions,  dinner-parties,  card- 
parties  and  church,  where  Gabrielle  was,  Mr. 
Thompson  was  not  far  away.  An  invitation  to  the 
distinguished  and  fashionable  Dr.  Palmer  and  fam- 
ily was  always  accompanied  by  one  to  Mr.  Thomp- 
son, whom  courtesy  began  to  call  doctor  and  gos- 
sip associated  with  Gabrielle  as  an  accepted  lover. 

Matters  drifted  on  wards  in  a  happy  insouciance 
until  there  was  such  an  interdependence  and  har- 
mony of  ideas,  that  love  awoke  and  each  became 
conscious  of  discomfort  when  fate  kept  them  apart. 

Delano  was  keenly  alive  to  the  situation  and 
did  not  attempt  to  hinder  the  rapprochement,  nor 
to  place  himself  in  the  way  to  receive  any  favors 
from  his  former  idol.  He  manifested  the  same 
interest  in  her  doings  and  goings  as  before,  and 
showed  by  his  gaze  and  reverential  demeanor  how 
greatly  he  was  impressed  by  her  beauty  and  soul. 

Gabrielle  treated  him  graciously  and  confi- 
dentially as  of  yore,  but  there  was  a  tinge  of  re- 
serve in  her  manner  not  noticeable  in  her  inter- 


328  THE    SEA    LETTER 

course  with  Thompson.  This  may  have  been 
because  Delano  was  an  occasional  visitor  and 
Thompson  was  a  professional  assistant  to  her 
father.  We  get  often  what  we  give,  and  the  chill 
came  from  one  and  affected  the  other,  though  it 
was  indefinable  in  degree. 

Delano  realized  the  prize  was  slipping  away 
from  him,  yet  he  was  apathetic  and  indifferent, 
and  made  no  effort  to  regain  his  lost  position  in 
her  affections — for  they  were  once  very  near  be- 
trothal. Thompson  had  evidently  decided  that  he 
preferred  Gabrielle  to  any  other  woman  and  was 
doing  his  best  to  win  her. 

Was  Delano  still  meditating  upon  that 
which  had  bothered  him  before  ?  He  had  seen 
Laura  at  the  Palmers'  a  number  of  times  during 
the  winter,  and  had  made  several  visits  to  Essex 
ostensibly  to  see  Ayllon,  but,  in  reality,  to  find  a 
quiet  retreat  from  business  cares  and  agreeable, 
social  companionship.  He  experienced  a  thrill  of 
pleasure,  when  he  met  Laura  and  looked  into 
her  frank,  languishing  eyes :  and  he  recognized  the 
presence  of  that  affinity  which  he  had  always  main- 
tained should  exist  between  lovers  and  man  and 
wife.  Yet,  he  did  not  follow  the  logical  sequence 
of  his  doctrine  and  woo  and  wed  as  he  ought  to 
have  done.  He  remained  undecided,  quiescent  and 
mysteriously  silent. 

He  and  Thompson  belonged  to  the  same  club 
and  lunched  frequently  together,  and  occasionally, 


THE     SEA     LETTER  329 

they  would  play  a  little  pool  in  the  evening  and  en- 
joy a  small  bottle  and  cigars  afterwards,  while  they 
talked  over  their  summer  experience  and  the 
Ayllon  affair.  One  evening  Thompson  sought 
Delano  in  his  room,  where  he  was  sitting  before 
an  open  grate,  looking  into  the  ashes  and  smoking. 

"  Hullo  !  doctoribus  ;  Was  ist  los  f  "  said 
Delano,  as  Thompson  came  rushing  into  the  room 
hastily. 

"  Nothing  much  !  I  was  afraid  you  had  gone 
out,  and  I  wanted  to  catch  you,  if  you  were 
going." 

"  Well,  I  do  not  intend  to  budge  from  this 
comfortable  fire  until  spring  opens  in  reality." 

"  Glad  of  it ;  I  came  down  to  have  a  good 
talk,"  said  Thompson,  as  he  threw  his  overcoat  and 
hat  on  a  chair  and  warmed  his  hands  at  the  fire. 

"  O.  K.  Take  a  cigar  ;  there,  are  matches ; 
or  you  may  try  my  tongs  and  a  coal." 

"  Thanks  ;  a  match  is  good  enough  for  me — 
I'm  not  antiquely  romantic,"  and  he  sank  into  an 
easy  chair. 

"  What  is  the  news  ?     All  well  at  Palmer's?" 

"  Yes,  very  well !  I've  come  down  to  tell 
you  something  about  them." 

"  So  ?  Fire  away  !  What  is  the  old  Knicker- 
bocker going  to  do  now  ? 

"Take  a  son-in-law." 

"  What  ?      You    don't   mean  it  ?      Who   the 


330  THE    SEA    LETTER 

devil  has  —  ?  "  and  Delano  rose  from  his  chair  and 
gazed  at  Thompson  in  amazement. 

"  Sit  down,  old  man  !  Don't  get  excited.  It 
had  to  come  sometime." 

"  Who  is  the  lucky  man  ?  That  German 
Baron,  or  the  French  Count?" 

"  Neither ;  it  is  a  no  account  American. 
You  can  congratulate  me,"  said  Thompson,  blush- 
in  and  smiling. 

Delano  sat  down,  dropped  his  face  into  his 
hands,  and  bent  over  a  few  moments  in  silence. 
He  was  struggling  to  regain  his  self-control.  His 
face  was  pale,  as  he  stood  up  and  said  with  con- 
siderable effort,  while  he  shook  Thompson's  hand 
and  looked  searchingly  in  his  eyes,  "  I  congratu- 
late you — Gabrielle  is  a  jewel." 

"  Thank  you  very  much  !  I  knew  you  would 
—  I  am  very  happy — that  is,  if  you  did  not  want 
her  yourself  ? "  and  Thompson  looked  at  his  friend 
anxiously. 

"  I  did  want  her,  God  knows  !  but  I  would 
not  propose,  because  I  like  her  so  much." 

"You  speak  in  riddles — I  do  not  understand 
— You  gave  her  up  for  me  ? " 

"  No,  my  dear  fellow,  not  exactly ;  I  never 
had  her,  but  I  forfeited  my  claim  to  insure  her 
happiness." 

"  Oh !  you  chink  she  would  not  be  happy 
with  you  ? " 


THE    SEA    LETTER  33 1 

"  Yes  I  think  so,  and  I  might  not  be  happy 
with  her.  Gabrielle  belongs  to  a  proud  family ; 
she  will  inherit  considerable  wealth,  and  move  in 
the  highest  circles  of  society.  She  is  refined  and 
aesthetic  in  her  tastes ;  highly  educated  in  science 
and  art,  and  brilliant  in  conversation  and  reason- 
ing. She  is  very  foud  of  society  and  social  gather- 
ings and  active  and  ambitious  in  many  public 
functions.  Her  costumes  are  the  envy  of  her  associ- 
ates, and  she  is  happiest,  when  elegantly  dressed 
and  royally  governing.  She  has  a  kind  heart  and 
excellent  principles  like  her  mother,  and  has 
always  had  much  her  own  way.  Her  happiness 
demands  an  exercise  of  all  her  Heaven-born  facul- 
ties, and  a  continuance  of  her  manner  of  living. 
She  is  almost  too  fine  clay  for  the  ordinary  duties 
of  wife  and  mother. 

"  If  she  should  marry,  her  husband  ought  to 
be  as  finely  moulded,  thoroughly  cultured,  highly 
ambitious,  and  delicately  attuned  to  life's  duties 
as  herself.  He  should  be  in  hearty  sympathy 
with  all  her  notions,  and  ready  to  co-operate  with 
her  in  every  undertaking.  Then  their  union 
would  be  a  perpetual  honeymoon." 

"  Your  description  is  very  accurate.  How 
could  you  resign  so  perfect  a  being  ? " 

"  I  recognized  your  fitness  for  the  position, 
which  I  could  not  fill.  I  could  not  continue  the 
strenuous  study  necessary  to  retain  her  respect ; 
I  could  not  endure  the  continual  grooming  and 


332  THE    SEA    LETTER 

vexatious  exactions  essential  in  order  to  be  her 
champion  in  society,  and  I  shrank  from  exposing 
my  innate  coarseness  to  one  so  refined  and  spirit- 
uelle.  I  am  a  pessimist,  she  is  an  optimist.  I 
could  not  pull  her  down  to  my  level  from  the 
rosy  clouds  of  her  elysium.  I  would  not  sacri- 
fice her  upon  the  altar  of  my  selfishness  by  decep- 
tion and  an  exercise  of  virile  power.  I  am  no 
John  Storm." 

"  You  do  yourself  great  injustice,  my  dear 
Delano,"  said  Thompson ;  "  you  have  made  a 
great  sacrifice  from  a  morbid  sense  of  your  unfit- 
ness.  I  cannot  perceive  why  you  have  formed 
such  an  extravagant  opinion  of  myself." 

"  I  have  watched  you  for  a  year.  You  are 
worthy  of  her ;  and  you  will  be  both  be  happy." 

"  My  happiness  will  be  diminished  by  know- 
ledge of  your  misery." 

"  I  shall  not  be  so  miserable  now  that  the 
struggle  is  finished.  There  is  a  recompense  in 
feeling  that  one  has  done  his  duty.  Besides,  there 
has  been  one  thing  lacking  between  Gabrielle  and 
myself.  It  is  that  mysterous  affinity,  which  I 
consider  so  essential  in  love.  I  shall  find  solace 
for  my  woes  with  Laura.  She  is  my  affinity." 

Had  a  thunderbolt  struck  the  casement, 
Thompson  could  not  have  been  more  astonished. 
He  sprang  up,  put  a  hand  upon  each  of  Delano's 
shoulders  and  looked  in  his  face,  now  flushed  and 
smiling ;  then  he  threw  both  arms  around  his 


THE    SEA    LETTER  333 

shoulders,  hugged  him  and  said,  "  I  am  so  glad ! 
so  glad  !  She  is  a  charming  girl,  and  I  more 
than  like  her.  I  sincerely  hope  you  will  both  be 
very  happy.  Are  you  engaged  ?  " 

"  Not  yet,  but  I  hope  to  be  as  soon  as  I  can 
get  to  her  side." 

"  Glorious  !  Gabrielle  will  be  delighted  ;  she 
really  thinks  a  great  deal  of  you,  and  would  pre- 
fer Laura  should  have  you  to  any  other.  Would 
you  mind,  if  I  ordered  up  some  luncheon  and 
beer  instead  of  dragging  you  over  to  my  room, 
which  has  no  fire  ?  " 

"  Certainly  not ;  I  was  going  to  suggest 
something  of  the  kind,  myself." 

These  good  fellows  and  friends,  who  would 
not  permit  any  jealousy  to  embitter  their  inter- 
course, ate  the  lunch  and  smoked  again,  as  they 
talked  over  all  the  phases  of  love  and  marriage 
until  midnight.  When  Thompson  rose  to  go,  he 
said  to  Delano,  "  May  I  tell  Gabrielle  ?  " 

"  You'd  better  wait  until  my  fate  is  decided, 
my  dear  man,"  he  replied,  as  he  threw  the  stump 
of  his  cigar  into  the  ashes  and  began  to  cover  the 
fire  for  the  night. 


CHAPTER    XXIV. 


The  next  day  Delano  took  an  early  train  for 
Essex,  and  after  a  consultation  with  Ayllon  and 
the  Conants,  proposed  to  Laura  and  was  accepted. 

"  I  felt  that  I  should  love  and  marry  you, 
darling,  ever  since  I  stole  that  kiss  upon  the 
South  Beach,"  said  he. 

"  I  knew  my  prince  would  come  some  time 
— after  Gabrielle  had  her  choice,"  said  she,  as 
she  smiled  mischievously. 

"  I  shall  be  a  brother  to  Gabrielle,"  said  he. 

"Mr.  Thompson   shall  be  the  same  to  me," 

Delano  remained  a  few  days,  looked  over  the 
wedding  invitations  from  the  summer  girls,  approv- 
ed an  early  date  in  June  for  the  nuptials  of  Laura 
and  himself,  directed  all  their  wedding  notices, 
and  read  all  the  congratulations  that  poured  in 
upon  them. 

"  Here's  another  square  envelope  in  the  mail 
this  morning,"  said  Laura ;  "  I  wonder  what's 
going  to  happen  next  ?  Mother,  open  it  quickly, 
I'm  dying  to  know," 


THE    SEA   LETTER  335 

Mrs.  Conant  cut  the  envelope  and  drew  out 
a  note  to  Laura,  which  read,  "  Yesterday  sweet 
Coz,  I  had  the  greatest  pleasure  in  reading  an 
announcement  of  the  approaching  marriage  of 
Miss  Laura  Conant  de  Ayllon  and  Mr.  Thomas 
Delano.  I  congratulate  everyone  in  the  con- 
spiracy. I  send  you  a  Roland  for  an  Oliver. 
Yours  ever,  Gabrielle." 

"  Here  is  the  Roland,"  said  Mrs.  Conant 
holding  up  an  engraved  missive.  "  Dr.  and  Mrs 
Palmer  invite  us  to  be  present,  June  24,  19 — ,  at 
the  marriage  of  Miss  Gabrielle  Palmer,  and  John 
Thompson,  M:D." 

"  Hurrah  !  the  last  of  our  summer  girls ! " 
shouted  Laura. 

"And  of  the  bachelors  too  ! "  added  Delano. 

Laura  and  Delano  were  married,  June  2d, 
and  went  with  Senor  Ayllon  to  the  plantation  up- 
on St.  John's  Bluff.  They  packed  and  forwarded 
several  boxes  of  orange-blossoms  to  the  prospec- 
tive brides,  with  cordial  invitations  to  visit  them, 
and  regrets  at  their  inability  to  be  present  at  the 
ceremonies. 

True  to  their  plans,  our  summer  girls  and 
bachelors,  now  happy  wives  and  husbands, 
gathered  gradually  at  Ay  lion's  villa  and  filled 
the  tropical  garden  with  merriment  for  a  month. 

One  day  Delano,  Laura,  Thompson  and 
Gabrielle  were  walking  through  a  wild  path  in 
the  forest,  when  they  heard  a  great  commotion 


336  THE    SEA    LETTER 

in  the  cane-brake  and  Thompson  said,  "  What  is 
that,  a  bear?" 

"Probably,  a  wild  hog";  replied  Delano,  who 
had  already  learned  considerable  about  southern 
life. 

The  next  moment,  a  stalwart  form  in  rubber 
boots,  shooting-jacket  and  slouch  hat,  carrying  a 
gun  and  wearing  a  game-bag,  burst  into  the 
path  and  shouted  to  his  astonished  friends, 
"  Seen  any  'possum  about  here  ? "  It  was 
Sanders. 


The  Great  Sunday  School  Song 
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